Rylander-Kyle House
a.k.a. Kyle,Henry,Jr.,House
711 W. San Antonio St., San Marcos, TXBorn in 1842, Rylander enlisted in the Confederate Army (Company I, First Alabama Calvary) and fought in the battle of Shiloh and several other engagements. After a stint in a Maryland prison camp, he walked back to Alabama. He came to Texas in 1867. Five years later he married Clarissa Glennie Malone, and the marriage produced eleven children.
Rylander's work was in farm demonstration, in the Department of Agriculture. Gov. Colquitt commissioned him to represent Texas in 1913 at the National Conference on Marketing and Farm Credits. He was sent by Gov. W.P. Hobby to the National Farmer's Association at Kansas City in 1919, and the American Cotton Conference at Montgomery, Alabama, in 1920. Rylander was also a director of the First National Bank and on the board of trustees at Coronal Institute.
Members of the Rylander family have remained in the house since its construction in 1912-13. The present owner is Henry C. Kyle, I.B. Rylander's grandson. He and his wife Marian have filled the home with beautiful antiques, unique pieces, and Oriental rugs.
Bibliography
Interviews with Henry C. Kyle, Jr., April 24, 1982, and July 21, 1982.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.