Heritage & History Tour at Millard's Crossing Historic Village
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
All fitness levels welcome, no special conditioning needed
Overview
Step back into Texas history at Millard's Crossing Historic Village, where hands-on activities bring the 1800s to life. Discover the legacy of homesteading with engaging demonstrations and authentic architecture.
Dog Trot (1843)
Must be 18+ to rent • No restrooms
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Experience a full day at the historic Sitton Dog Trot, a charming 1843 home that showcases Texas heritage. Engage in hands-on activities like natural dye demonstrations, pickling, and old-fashioned laundry soap making. Enjoy the unique breezeway while participating in traditional chores, immersing yourself in the rich history of homesteading.
Duration
Full Day Rental
Full day rental is 9 am to midnight, can be opened earlier by request
About
The Sitton Dog Trot, built in 1843, was originally located about five miles down CR 698 west of Central Heights. It was built by William and Susan Hayter who came to Texas in 1842.
Their youngest daughter married into the Sitton family, and the house was donated to Millard’s Crossing by Sam Sitton, who lived on the property until his death.
"Dog Trot" is the name given to the open breeze way from the front to the back of the house. Often, this covered area was cooler in the summer than other parts of the house. This made it a perfect place for chores like shelling peas or shucking corn.
Today at the village, we use the Sitton Dog Trot to show off our natural dyes, host pickling demos and make old fashioned laundry soap. Shucking corn on school tours and tending to our homestead garden are some of our favorite chores at the village!
Adventure Tips
Dress comfortably for hands-on activities
Wear clothing suitable for outdoor tasks like pickling or laundry soap making.
Bring sun protection
Sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended for outdoor exposure.
Hydrate regularly
Carry water to stay refreshed during your visit.
Participate actively
Engage fully to gain a richer understanding of frontier life.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Western fence lizards
- American kestrels
History
The Sitton Dog Trot represents a classic Texas frontier home designed for cooling breezes and day-to-day homestead life, reflecting the resilience of early settlers.
Conservation
The site adheres to preservation standards to maintain its historical integrity while promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Tyler
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sun hat
Provides protection from the sun during outdoor activities.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Comfortable walking shoes
Ideal for exploring historic buildings and grounds.
Sunscreen
Helps prevent sunburn during outdoor demonstrations.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Water bottle
Stay hydrated while touring the village.