Oliphant-Walker House
3900 Ave. C, Austin, TXLike the Smith-Marcuse-Lowry House at the opposite end of the 3900 block of Avenue C, the Oliphant-Walker House is an architecturally sophisticated residence dating to the earliest development period in Hyde Park. Deed restrictions imposed on land sold by the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Land and Town Company during this period reguired the construction of relatively large and costly homes on lots in proximity to major trolley lines or the entrance to the subdivision. This tact was taken as a marketing strategy to reassure potential investors of the permanence and desirability of the new development. The resultant houses were generally large-scale dwellings constructed in vernacular forms with applied stylistic ornamentation from the design idioms of the Queen Anne style. Highly crafted examples such as the Oliphant-Walker House still make a strong visual contribution to the architectural fabric of the neighborhood.
Shortly after the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Land and Town Co. platted the Hyde Park Additions, William James Oliphant and his wife Alice decided to build in Austin's newest subdivision. Upon purchasing lots 20-22 in Block 9 of Hyde Park Addition No. 2 in 1894, they hired builder Elling A. Ellingson to construct their new home (DR 90:575). Plans called for the contractor to use the best guality lumber, including California weatherboarding, a shingle roof with 5-inch dimension shingles, and lattice work between brick piers. The contract was signed on June 22, 1894, and work was to be completed by September 15th at a cost for labor and materials of $1875.00 (DR 90:564).
Oliphant, a well-known photographer in Austin, produced many of Austin's earliest-known photographs. Retired from photography while living at 3900 Avenue C, he served as secretary for the Board of Public Works and for the Water and Light Commission, as well as Deputy Tax Assessor for Travis County (Austin City Directories 1895-1905).
In 1906 the Oliphants decided to return to their old home at 602 West 9th Street. They sold 3900 Avenue C to Carrie B. and J.H. Freeman, who subsequently deeded the house to Anna E. Walker in 1914 (DR 205:550; 268:434). While living at 3900 Avenue C, her husband Lewis became president of the Buffalo Northwestern Railroad, headquartered in Buffalo, Oklahoma. In the meantime, the house served as a headquarters for Anna's efforts towards organizing the Texas Woman Suffrage Association, for which she served as state treasurer (City of Austin. Historic Landmark Inventory File C14h-74008). Upon Anna Walker's death in 1948, the property was sold to Arthur R. Erwin (DR 954:439). In 1974 neighborhood efforts and the assistance of the Austin Heritage Society helped find a buyer for the house, M.K. Marshall, who initiated renovation work. Further renovation was undertaken by Donald G. and Avis Jane Davis after 1977, and the house was zoned Historic by the City of Austin in 1978. The Austin Heritage Society conferred a Historic Preservation Award upon the house in 1979 (Hyde Park Historic Homes Tour 1984:7).
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
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.
European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.
Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.
During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.
Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.
Travis County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Travis County, Texas.
- Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Travis County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache.
1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.
1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.
1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.
1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.
1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."
1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.
1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.
1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.
1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.
1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.
2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.