Witte-Schmid House
Off Schoenau, near jct. with Eckermann, Shelby, TXThe Witte-Schmid House (1860), named for the two families who occupied it, is an excellent example of a rural vernacular house. The house, which features fachwerk construction and a center-passage plan, is typical of dwellings built by successful German settlers in Austin County in the mid 19th century. Largely intact, it is significant under Criterion C in the area of Architecture, at the local level, as a distinctive building type expressing the German origins of its builder. The building is among the oldest surviving examples of German architecture in Austin County, Texas.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
About Austin County
Austin County Timeline
Austin County, located in the southeastern part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and the Akokisa. In the early 1820s, the Mexican government granted land to Stephen F. Austin, also known as the "Father of Texas," who established the first Anglo-American settlements in the region.
In 1824, Austin County was officially created as one of the original 23 counties of Texas. The county was named in honor of Stephen F. Austin and served as a major center for the colonization of Texas. During this time, settlers began to arrive and establish farms, bringing with them their unique cultures and traditions.
Austin County also played a significant role in the Texas Revolution. In 1832, local colonists held the Turtle Bayou Resolutions, which voiced their support for Antonio López de Santa Anna, who was then the leader of Mexico. However, as tensions escalated, the colonists became part of the rebellion against Mexican rule, leading to the famous Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. This battle marked a major turning point in Texas history, resulting in the defeat of Santa Anna's forces and the eventual independence of Texas.
Throughout the years, Austin County continued to develop and thrive. The county seat, Bellville, was established in 1848 and has remained an important cultural and economic center. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further contributed to the growth of the county, connecting it with other regions. Today, Austin County is known for its rich agricultural heritage, historical landmarks, and vibrant community, making it a unique and significant part of Texas history.
In 1824, Austin County was officially created as one of the original 23 counties of Texas. The county was named in honor of Stephen F. Austin and served as a major center for the colonization of Texas. During this time, settlers began to arrive and establish farms, bringing with them their unique cultures and traditions.
Austin County also played a significant role in the Texas Revolution. In 1832, local colonists held the Turtle Bayou Resolutions, which voiced their support for Antonio López de Santa Anna, who was then the leader of Mexico. However, as tensions escalated, the colonists became part of the rebellion against Mexican rule, leading to the famous Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. This battle marked a major turning point in Texas history, resulting in the defeat of Santa Anna's forces and the eventual independence of Texas.
Throughout the years, Austin County continued to develop and thrive. The county seat, Bellville, was established in 1848 and has remained an important cultural and economic center. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further contributed to the growth of the county, connecting it with other regions. Today, Austin County is known for its rich agricultural heritage, historical landmarks, and vibrant community, making it a unique and significant part of Texas history.
Austin County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Austin County, Texas.
- 1821 - Austin County is established as one of the original 23 counties in Texas.
- 1831 - Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas", passes away and is buried in Austin County.
- 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico, leading to an influx of settlers in Austin County.
- 1856 - The town of Bellville is established as the county seat of Austin County.
- 1861-1865 - Austin County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
- 1878 - The Texas state legislature formally recognizes Austin County as the "Cradle of the Republic".
- 1887 - The San Felipe and Southwestern Railroad connects Austin County to the rest of Texas.
- 1907 - The Brazos River floods Austin County, causing significant damage and loss of life.
- 1965 - The Stephen F. Austin State Park is established in Austin County.
- 1992 - The Austin County Historical Commission is formed to preserve the county's history and heritage.
- Present - Austin County continues to thrive as an agricultural and historic region in Texas.