John McCroskey, a tanner, came to Texas with Stephen F. Austin's "Old 300" and built this home in compliance with the terms of his 1824 land grant. Later owners remodeled the structure. Oliver Jones, the owner in 1849-50, was chairman of a commission to design the flag and seal of the Republic of Texas. Robert J. Townes, a Brazoria County district judge and later state legislator, lived here in 1850-52. During Asa Stratton's ownership, the property became a sugar and cotton plantation. Nannie (Maddox) Stringfellow, who died in 1971, purchased the property in 1945 and preserved the dwelling.