Uncover the Oldest Structure in Midland Tx

There is so much history in the Midland. Many of the residents of The Tall City don't realize they pass historic sites on their daily commute. Tucked in downtown on 213 N Weatherford St is the oldest structure in Midland, The Brown Dorsey Historic Home.

THE FAMILY HISTORY

Zachary Taylor Brown, better known as Z.T., came to Midland in 1882 from Illinois. He purchased land 7 miles southwest of Midland and brought 1,000 sheep from East Texas. This made Z.T. the second sheepman in Midland County and the first to fence his land. Sara, his wife, and children soon joined him in 1884. Fast forward to 1890 Z.T. sold his sheep and entered the mercantile business. At this same time, he bought the land on Weatherford Street. The mercantile business was short-lived and Z.T. soon returned to ranching in 1894.

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THE HOUSE HISTORY

The architect plans for the house were ordered in 1899 from the Radford Homes Catalog for $5. Believe it or not, the estimated cost of building the house was $1500 to $1800. The historic Brown Dorsey Home is an example of folk Victorian architecture. The Brown family moved into the home in January 1900.

Soon the Brown's fourth child Sara married Hugh Barto Dorsey in 1907. The Dorsey family lived in the house until the late 1960s. The Midland Historic Society purchased the property in the late 1960s when the last family member passed. The Midland Historic Society kept the house like it was when the Browns lived in it in 1900. Many items still in the house belonged to the Brown family.

Being in Midland and Odessa for over 25 years, I was surprised that I had never heard of this 124-year-old treasure. The Bush House tends to overshadow historic sites in the area but the Brown Dorsey Historic Home is one of note. The Midland Historic Society sometimes holds events at the Brown Dorsey home. If you are interested in the next event, follow them on Facebook!