Historical Marker

Guthrie Building

Historical marker location:
241 Earl Garrett St, Kerrville, Texas
( 241 Earl Garrett Street)
Marker installed: 2007
Marker size: 27" x 42"

In continuous use since 1887, this building is one of the oldest in Kerr County. It is named for newspaper publisher Robert Guthrie, who was born in Scotland where generations of his family ran the same newspaper. Robert established the Kerrville Eye in May 1884 as the successor to the News that his father John began printing in 1882. John also published papers in Bandera and Boerne. In May 1887, Robert Guthrie bought this property for a new office for his newspaper and other commercial interests. Contractor W.B. Davies finished the stone building by the fall for the sum of $2,600. The Guthrie Hotel operated on the second floor. In November 1888, Guthrie sold his building and newspaper business to Ed Smallwood, who changed the name of the Kerrville Paper. Smallwood was elected on of Kerrville's first aldermen in 1889, and he ran the Paper until August 1899, when Jesse Grinstead bought the business and changed the name to the Mountain Sun. Grinstead was Kerrville's mayor from 1902 to 1904 and was later elected to the state legislature. He continued publishing the newspaper at this location until 1907. Later tenants included Kerrville's City Hall on the second floor (1910-1937), and the Wheelus Photographic Company on the first floor (1921-1960). Cleveland and Gertrude Wheelus built a projecting addition with two glass display windows in 1926, but it was removed in the 1980s when the building was restored to its original appearance. The Guthrie Building is a two-story Italianate style commercial structure. Walls are 15-inch thick limestone from a quarry just east of Kerrville. Ashlar stones are laid in irregular courses, and prominent architectural features include belt courses, smooth dressed window lintels and sills, quoins, and a two-story full-length gallery porch with decorative cornice and dentils. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2007 Marker is property of the state of Texas

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

commercial buildings Italianate
The discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
Texas random facts
Kerr County, located in the hill country of Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Lipan Apache and Comanche, who utilized the region's abundant resources for hunting and gathering. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, primarily from Germany, and established the first permanent settlements.

In 1845, Texas became the 28th state of the United States, and Kerr County was officially formed in 1856. It was named after James Kerr, a major in the Texas Revolution and a member of the Republic of Texas Congress. The county's early economy was centered around agriculture, with ranching, farming, and timber production being the main industries.

During the Civil War, Kerr County, like many other parts of Texas, was divided in allegiance between the Union and the Confederacy. The area experienced occasional raids and skirmishes, but overall remained relatively peaceful during the conflict. After the war, the county began to recover and flourish economically, with the arrival of the railroad in 1887, which improved transportation and access to markets.

The 20th century brought further growth and development to Kerr County. The discovery of oil in the nearby counties stimulated the economy, and Kerrville, the county seat, became a regional hub for commerce and services. The establishment of Schreiner Institute, now Schreiner University, in 1923, brought higher education opportunities to the area. Today, Kerr County continues to attract residents and visitors with its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant community life.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kerr County, Texas.

  • 1856 - Kerr County is officially established on January 26.
  • 1857 - The first county government is organized in October.
  • 1870 - The city of Kerrville is founded as a trade center for the surrounding area.
  • 1876 - Kerrville becomes the county seat of Kerr County.
  • 1888 - The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway reaches Kerrville, stimulating growth in the area.
  • 1890 - Kerrville is incorporated as a city.
  • 1930 - The Camp Meeting Association of the Methodist Episcopal Church South establishes a permanent site for summer encampments in Kerrville, which later becomes the Mo-Ranch conference center.
  • 1962 - The Kerrville Folk Festival is first held, becoming one of the longest continuously running music festivals in the United States.
  • 1998 - The Kerrville-Schreiner State Park is opened to the public.