The typical East Texas pioneer home stands on the Pedro Esparza Grant, affirmed by Spain about 1810. It was the residence of Dr. John Marion Sparks (1831-1909), whose family came to Texas in 1832 and whose father, Richard (1793-1839), was the last alcalde of Nacogdoches before the Texas Revolution. Built before 1851 about 8 miles north of this site, the Sparks House was enlarged in 1884. Capt. and Mrs. Charles K. Phillips bought the structure in 1971 and moved it here for restoration. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1976