P. A. Smith Hotel

Although 19th-century commercial architecture abounds in other Texas cities such as Galveston, The P.A. Smith Hotel in Navasota stands as a unique Texas blend of native lime-stone construction with the sophistication of cast iron detailing. Built in 1876 by Captain Philip Aurene Smith, the structure served as a hotel until the death of his wife in 1890. After that time, the upper floors were used as the private residence of the Smith family while the first floor was leased as commercial space. The building was maintained by members of the Smith estate until 1944 when it was sold to Martin Allen. It was later sold to Eddie Coneley who deeded the property to the Grimes County Historical Survey Committee.

P.A. Smith was born in Lewis County, New York on March 21, 1829. He studied to be a schoolteacher and first accepted a job in Springfield, Illinois. A good friend of Smith, Abraham Lincoln, failed to persuade him from his Copperhead (Northern Democrat) politics and Smith traveled south to join the Confederate Army, Company A, 12th Regiment, Parson's Brigade. By 1868, Smith, after having returned to school- teaching, settled in Hillsboro, Texas.

Smith soon found his way to Navasota in 1869 where he engaged in many business adventures. As well as building and operating the hotel, he organized the Navasota Weekly Tablet, a newspaper catering to the politics of the conservative Southern Democrats. In addition to a furniture store, a cotton business, and extensive real estate, Smith built the Navasota Opera House which brought many plays and larger stage companies to Navasota. Smith is recognized in local history as a man whose public-spirited manner contributed greatly to the cultural enlightenment and commercial success of Navasota.