National Register Listing

Cunningham, Captain James & Susannah, Homestead

a.k.a. Mountain Creek Ranch

19601 TX 16 S., Comanche, TX
Captain James and Susannah Cunningham Homestead is a Double-pen Dogtrot (Central Passage) style house built in 1855 with a stone kitchen added in 1873. The Cunninghams were among the earliest settlers on what was then the far western reaches of Anglo-American settlement in Texas as it encroached into Comanche territory. Their house is believed to be the oldest surviving house in Comanche County. For its association with the early non-native settlement of Comanche County, the Cunningham Homestead is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places at the local level of significance in the area of Exploration Settlement. The Cunningham Homestead is also an excellent local example of a Pre-Railroad Era Double-pen Dogtrot, a vernacular style that originated in the Southern colonies and moved west with the advancing frontier. As is typical of the style, the Cunningham Homestead is one-story with a side-gabled roof and features a central breezeway flanked by single pens (or rooms) with chimneys on the gable ends. Less typical was the use of oak framing with pine clapboard siding instead of the more familiar log construction. The stone kitchen, added along the east elevation, introduced embellishments associated with the Greek Revival style. For its architectural significance, the Cunningham Homestead is eligible for listing in the National Register. The period of significance is from 1855, the year the Cunninghams arrived in what is now Comanche County, to 1873. The latter year corresponds to the year the stone kitchen was constructed, giving the house the form it has today (2012).
Local significance of the building:
Entertainment/recreation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2012.

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.

Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Comanche County, Texas has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Native American tribes, including the Comanche, Tonkawa, and Kiowa, inhabited the region long before European settlers arrived. The area played a significant role in the extensive Comanche Empire, as the county was situated in the heart of their territory and served as a trading hub for various tribes.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began to explore and establish settlements in the area. In 1854, the Texas Legislature officially created Comanche County, named after the Comanche tribe. The county was initially part of the vast Erath County before being designated as an independent entity. The growth of Comanche County was primarily driven by agriculture and cattle ranching, with farmers and ranchers taking advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

The county experienced rapid development during the late 19th century with the arrival of the Texas Central Railroad in 1885. The railroad provided a crucial transportation link for the county, connecting it to larger cities and markets, which further stimulated economic growth. The population increased, and new towns, including Comanche, emerged along the railroad lines. These towns became centers for commerce, trade, and social activity.

Comanche County played a significant role in the development of Texas and the United States. It witnessed the impact of various historical events, such as the American Civil War, where many residents served in the Confederate Army. Over the years, Comanche County has evolved, adapting to changes in the agricultural, industrial, and technological sectors. Today, the county remains a vibrant community that celebrates its history while embracing modern advancements.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Comanche County, Texas.

  • 1854 - Comanche County is established
  • 1858 - Official county government is organized
  • 1861-1865 - Comanche County supports the Confederacy during the Civil War
  • 1875 - The county's first post office is opened
  • 1877 - Comanche County is hit by a major drought
  • 1881 - The Texas Central Railway is completed, boosting the county's economy
  • 1890 - The town of Comanche becomes the county seat
  • 1908 - Comanche County's courthouse is constructed
  • 1920s - The county experiences an oil boom that brings prosperity and growth
  • 1940s - Comanche County contributes to the war effort during World War II
  • 1960s-1970s - The county's population declines due to economic changes
  • 2010 - Comanche County's population reaches its peak