House at 502 South Orient
502 S. Orient, Stamford, TXThe residence at 502 S. Orient is important in Stamford as an example of the traditional large house built early in the city's history. It is also important for its possible connection with Stamford College.
Probably built between 1907 and 1910, this house was finally mapped by the Sanborn Company in 1922. It does not possess any great architectural merit but is a good, representative example of a typical, vernacular, early twentieth-century residence of large size. It is also important for its possible association with Stamford College. Although the dating on this section of town is vague because of spotty mapping by the Sanborn Map Company, likely, this pre-1922 structure was built around 1907 or 1908 in conjunction with Stamford College, which occupied the land directly across the street.
When Stamford College was built in 1907, it no doubt prompted the construction of some houses on nearby streets. Unfortunately, the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps do not deal with this part of town except to indicate the college campus. The area around the college, the College Heights addition, was platted in 1907, so construction did take place on that date. (A house a half-block east, for instance, was built in 1910.) In 1922 this dwelling was finally mapped. The present house was likely built much earlier, as a dwelling for a college employee or a faculty member.
In any case, the house is one of the best examples of the large, early twentieth-century residential houses in the city. It is virtually unaltered and is representative of the kind of well-built, middle-, or even upper-class housing constructed in Stamford during its first two decades of growth. It may well be the most substantial example in Stamford of the American Foursquare style. The surrounding area is largely residential.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
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 city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
In the 1830s, during the Texas Revolution, settlers began to move into the area that would become Jones County. The region was originally part of Bexar County, but in 1858 it became its own county and was named after Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas. The county quickly grew with the establishment of farms, ranches, and small towns.
During the American Civil War, Jones County gained notoriety for its unique stance. While most of Texas sided with the Confederacy, Jones County declared itself neutral. This neutrality was mainly motivated by opposition to the Confederacy's conscription policies and the belief that the war was fought for the benefit of the wealthy planters. The county formed its own militia, known as the Jones County Union Guards, and resisted conscription efforts.
After the Civil War, the county experienced a period of growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped spur economic growth in the area. The town of Anson, the county seat, became an important shipping point for agricultural products. Ranching and farming continued to be the primary industries in the county, with cotton becoming a major cash crop.
In the 20th century, the county continued to thrive, with the discovery of oil and gas deposits providing a boost to the local economy. Today, Jones County remains a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and service-based industries. The county is known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and friendly communities.
Jones County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jones County, Texas.
- 1858 - Jones County is formed from Bexar and Bosque Counties.
- 1861-1865 - Jones County sends troops to fight in the American Civil War.
- 1881 - The Texas Central Railway is built through Jones County, bringing economic growth.
- 1890s - The county experiences an oil boom, attracting investors and workers.
- 1928 - The construction of Fort Phantom Hill Dam begins, providing water and hydroelectric power.
- 1930s - The Great Depression hits Jones County, causing economic hardships.
- 1940s-1950s - Jones County experiences population decline and agricultural challenges.
- 1990s-present - The county sees some economic recovery with the growth of wind energy production.