The historic Farris Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Eagle Lake, Texas and has welcomed guests since 1912.  This 2-story brick building was built on the site where the town of Eagle Lake began in the 1850’s as a stagecoach inn and railroad stop.  It is adorned with turn of the century antiques, which lend to its comfortable atmosphere and peaceful ambience.  The main hotel building was designed by Houston architect A.E. Barnes.  It was the first building in Eagle Lake to be designed by a professional architect.

During the mid to late 1800’s, three railroads crossed Eagle Lake across from the corner of the hotel, making the town a commerce center for the area.  At this time, the economy of the town had become dependent on rice farming, making the hotel the social and business center of Eagle Lake by the early 1900’s, often filled with traveling salesmen or “drummers”.  The hotel had a “drummer’s room”, wherein the salesmen could display their goods.  Merchants came from surrounding areas to make purchases for their stores and shops.

The 1920’s saw a decline in the hotel business as the Great Depression hit and automobiles became the preferred method of travel.  Over the next 50 years, the hotel continued to shelter travelers, with time taking a major toll on the historic building.

The hotel underwent complete restorations in the mid 1970’s, returning the building to its original state.  The banquet halls and parlors were once again available for meetings, socials, teas and gatherings.  The parlors were refurbished with Victorian carpet and Nottingham lace and satin draperies were hung to capture the elegance of the past.  The hotel was decorated with antique décor to recreate the ambience of its origin in 1912.  During the winter months of the hunting season for the past 30 years the hotel was primarily operated as a premier hunting lodge.

Over the years, many affluent Texans were regular visitors, coming to Eagle Lake for the nearby waterfowl hunting and fishing on local lakes.  Many notable guests spent nights at the hotel, including Texas Governor Dan Moody in 1927.