Dr. James Harper Starr (1809-1890) was a government official in the Republic of Texas and the Confederacy and a leading physician and businessman. In 1870, Dr. Starr and his son, James Franklin Starr (1844-1902), relocated their land and banking agency from Nacogdoches to Marshall, and bough this land for their homes. Frank Starr and his wife, Clara (Clapp) (1849-1925), built "Maplecroft", originally a two-story center passage Greek Revival style home which received later additions. The house remained in the family until 1976, when it was deeded to the State of Texas for public benefit. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1964