Ragsdale-Jackman-Yarbough House
621 W. San Antonio St., San Marcos, TXThe Ragsdale-Jackman-Yarbrough House is the oldest occupied residence in town, and may also be the oldest frame house. Built in 1868, it displays the symmetry still popular from the Greek Revival period, embellished with restrained, early Italianate detail. Its owners have contributed much to local history.
Peter Ragsdale, who had the house built of lumber hauled by oxteam from Indianola, on the Gulf coast, was a veteran of the Texas Revolution. He had sold beef to Sam Houston's army and fought at the battle of San Jacinto. After the war, he established a trading post in the next county and worked as a civil engineer. After his death, Mrs. Ragsdale operated a school for girls and a hospital for female Coronal students in the home. In 1890, she sold the house to William Turner ("Uncle Billy") Jackman, who had made about 13 cattle drives to northern markets over the previous 20 years. Jackman was elected to the sheriff's office in 1892 and served 20 colorful years. A legend that he kept prisoners overnight in the crawlspace under the house was lent credence when the present owners found a trap door on the library floor. During Woodrow Wilson's two terms, Jackman was postmaster in San Marcos. He was known for his well-told Texas history stories and died in 1939. In 1947, Nancy and Merle Yarbrough, highly respected San Marcos educators bought and refurbished the house.
Peter Ragsdale, who had the house built of lumber hauled by oxteam from Indianola, on the Gulf coast, was a veteran of the Texas Revolution. He had sold beef to Sam Houston's army and fought at the battle of San Jacinto. After the war, he established a trading post in the next county and worked as a civil engineer. After his death, Mrs. Ragsdale operated a school for girls and a hospital for female Coronal students in the home. In 1890, she sold the house to William Turner ("Uncle Billy") Jackman, who had made about 13 cattle drives to northern markets over the previous 20 years. Jackman was elected to the sheriff's office in 1892 and served 20 colorful years. A legend that he kept prisoners overnight in the crawlspace under the house was lent credence when the present owners found a trap door on the library floor. During Woodrow Wilson's two terms, Jackman was postmaster in San Marcos. He was known for his well-told Texas history stories and died in 1939. In 1947, Nancy and Merle Yarbrough, highly respected San Marcos educators bought and refurbished the house.
Bibliography
Tula Townsend Wyatt and Yancy Yarbrough, "The Yarbrough Residence, 621 West San Antonio Street." Monograph prepared for the Heritage Association of San Marcos Tours of Distinction, 1981. On file at the San Marcos Public Library.
Exploration/settlement; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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.
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The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
About Hays County
Hays County Timeline
Hays County, located in the central part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Tonkawa and Comanche peoples. However, the first recorded European arrival in the region occurred in 1690 when Spanish explorers made their way through the area.
In the early 1800s, Anglo-American settlers began to establish permanent settlements in what is now Hays County. One of the most notable figures in the county's history is Captain John Coffee "Jack" Hays, a Texas Ranger who played a significant role in fighting against Native American raids in the region. As a result of his contributions, the county was renamed in his honor in 1848.
During the mid-1800s, Hays County experienced rapid growth and development, fueled by the arrival of the railroad in the region. The county became an important hub for agriculture, with cotton and cattle as the main industries. The county seat, San Marcos, played a key role in the growth of education in the area, becoming home to Southwest Texas State Normal School (now Texas State University) in 1899.
In the 20th century, Hays County continued to evolve and modernize. The population increased steadily as more people were attracted to the area’s natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to Austin. Today, Hays County remains a vibrant and growing community, serving as a bridge between the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and the urban amenities of nearby metropolitan areas.
In the early 1800s, Anglo-American settlers began to establish permanent settlements in what is now Hays County. One of the most notable figures in the county's history is Captain John Coffee "Jack" Hays, a Texas Ranger who played a significant role in fighting against Native American raids in the region. As a result of his contributions, the county was renamed in his honor in 1848.
During the mid-1800s, Hays County experienced rapid growth and development, fueled by the arrival of the railroad in the region. The county became an important hub for agriculture, with cotton and cattle as the main industries. The county seat, San Marcos, played a key role in the growth of education in the area, becoming home to Southwest Texas State Normal School (now Texas State University) in 1899.
In the 20th century, Hays County continued to evolve and modernize. The population increased steadily as more people were attracted to the area’s natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to Austin. Today, Hays County remains a vibrant and growing community, serving as a bridge between the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and the urban amenities of nearby metropolitan areas.
Hays County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hays County, Texas.
- 1837: Hays County is officially established as a county when the Republic of Texas is formed.
- 1848: The county seat is established in the town of San Marcos.
- 1856: A charter is granted to create the Hays County Agricultural, Manufacturing, and Mechanical Association.
- 1861: With the outbreak of the Civil War, many men from Hays County volunteer for service in the Confederate Army.
- 1881: The International-Great Northern Railroad is completed, connecting San Marcos to Austin and San Antonio.
- 1903: Southwest Texas State Normal School (now known as Texas State University) is established in San Marcos.
- 1938: The Blanco River floods, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure in Hays County.
- 1996: The Hays County Courthouse, built in 1909, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2015: The county experiences widespread flooding from heavy rains, resulting in several deaths and extensive property damage.