Autry, James L., House
5 Courtlandt Pl., Houston, TXThe architectural firm of Sanguinet & Staats originated in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. They designed a number of significant buildings in this area, including the Wilson Building in Dallas, the first eight-story building in Texas. Alfred C. Finn had joined the firm in Dallas in 1904 and in 1912 was hired as the associate on this house in Houston. In 1913 Finn joined A. E. Barnes in Houston to handle the firm's Houston business, but by 1915 Finn left the firm and went into practice for himself. After this time Finn designed some very important works in Texas among them the Governor Ross S. Sterling House (1915), the San Jacinto Monument & Museum (1939), Gulf Building (1929), Metropolitan Theater (1926), Sam Houston Coliseum/ Music Hall (1937) and the W. C. Hunt House (1920-21) on Courtlandt Place.
Born in Holly Springs, Mississippi on November 4, 1859, James L. Autry moved to Navarro County in 1876 to undertake management of a ranch. After studying under a Corsicana lawyer, he was admitted to the bar in 1880. In partnership with W. J. McKie, Autry served as counsel to J. S. Cullinan, the oil entrepreneur who moved to Corsicana with the oil boom in the 1890' With the discovery of oil at spindletop in 1902, Cullinan moved to Beaumont to form the Texas Fuel Co. and Autry followed in 1904 to become general counsel. In 1905 the company reorganized and expanded into the Texas Company (later known as Texaco) in which Autry was elected a director and became general attorney. Autry moved to Houston in 1908 when the corporate offices moved to take advantage of other oil fields down the Gulf Coast and within a few years Autry built his home on Courtlandt Place. In 1913 Autry, Cullinan and Will C. Hogg resigned from the Texas Co. and formed the Fidelity Trust Co., Farmer's Petroleum Co., American Petroleum Co., an Republic Production Co. Autry served as president of the Farmers Petroleum Co., president of Fidelity Trust Co., and vice-president and general counsel of the last two under the combined name of American Republic Co.
Autry suffered a stroke in 1915 and spent the last five years of his life a semi-invalid. He died on September 29, 1920. His wife, daughter Allie, and son James L. Autry, III remained in the house. The family sold it in1938.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Harris County experienced rapid economic diversification and growth. The discovery of oil in the Spindletop field fueled Houston's emergence as an energy and petrochemical hub. Industries like cotton, lumber, shipping, and manufacturing thrived. NASA's Johnson Space Center further solidified the county's significance in space exploration and technology.
Harris County's demographic diversity is a defining aspect, attracting immigrants from various backgrounds. Houston became a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant culinary scene, dynamic arts community, and diverse festivals, reflecting its multicultural fabric.
Today, Harris County remains an influential economic and cultural center. Its strong economy spans energy, healthcare, technology, and international trade. The county houses renowned medical facilities and research institutions. Despite facing natural disasters, Harris County showcases resilience and implements measures to mitigate their impact.
With its rich history, economic vitality, multiculturalism, and ongoing growth, Harris County continues to shape Texas as a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and innovation.
Harris County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Harris County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapa.
1822: Harrisburg, the county's first settlement, is founded by John Richardson Harris, a pioneer and one of the early Texas colonists.
1836: The Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas independence from Mexico, took place in present-day Harris County.
1837: Harris County is officially established and named after John Richardson Harris.
19th Century: Houston, the county seat and the largest city in Texas, experiences rapid growth due to its strategic location along Buffalo Bayou and the construction of railroads. The city becomes a major commercial and shipping hub, attracting industries such as cotton, lumber, and oil.
20th Century: The discovery of oil in the nearby Spindletop field and the subsequent growth of the oil industry greatly contribute to Harris County's economic development. Houston becomes an energy and petrochemical center.
1960s-1980s: The space industry plays a crucial role in Harris County's history with the establishment of NASA's Johnson Space Center, where mission control for the Apollo program is located.
Today: Harris County continues to be a thriving economic and cultural center. It is home to a diverse population, numerous industries, world-class medical facilities, and renowned cultural institutions.