National Register Listing

House at 719 East Reynolds

719 E. Reynolds, Stamford, TX

The small bungalow built at 719 E. Reynolds is one of the best examples of that style built in Stamford. Although the dating on this section of town is uncertain, due to a lack of early mapping by the Sanborn Map Company, likely, that 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 many houses on nearby streets. Unfortunately, the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps only include the college campus in this part of town. Since the area around the college College Heights addition was platted in 1907, we know that construction took place in that part of the city. The house next door, for instance, was built in 1910; nevertheless, it was not until 1922 that this dwelling was finally mapped. It is highly possible that the house at 719 E. Reynolds was built much earlier, as a dwelling for a college employee or a faculty member.

In any case, it is one of the best examples of a small bungalow in the city. The house is virtually unaltered and is representative of the kind of high-quality, middle-class housing built in Stamford during its first two decades of growth.

Local significance of the building:
Architecture

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.

architecture
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Texas random facts
Jones County is located in central Texas and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Kiowa. European exploration of the region began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers ventured into Texas. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that Jones County was established.

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.

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.