Brentwood Hosting 200th Anniversary Event for Ravenswood Mansion on May 18
Ravenswood Mansion, built in 1825 by James Hazard Wilson II and later restored by Reese and Marcella Vivrette Smith Jr., celebrated its 200th anniversary on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The Brentwood Historic Commission, along with descendants of both the Wilson and Smith families, hosted a free community event from 1–5 p.m. to honor the mansion’s full history—including its connection to Sam Houston and the enslaved people who lived and worked on the property.
The celebration featured live music, food trucks, kids’ activities, and a parade at 2 p.m. Family members shared stories of life in the mansion, and guided tours of the house and historic cabins began at 2:30 p.m. The event offered a chance to reflect on Ravenswood’s complex past while enjoying an afternoon of community festivities.