Cavitt House
713 E. 30th St., Bryan, TXThe Cavitt House, located in Bryan, Texas, is the oldest residential structure in Bryan and the only local example of the Italianate style. Built as the home of William R. Cavitt, a local financier, the house is unusually austere for its era and style.
W. R. Cavitt, a prominent Brazos County landowner, purchased the city block on which the house stands for $1,000 in January, 1875. The following October he brought his bride, Mary Mitchell Cavitt, to the newly completed house. The large, white stuccoed home was constructed in the Italianate style with typically large fenestration, assymetrical massing and dominant cubic shapes. However, the house was unusually chaste for its style and date, and lacked the deep bracketed comices, corner tower, and elaborate millwork commonly foiond in contemporary examples of the mode. By the turn of the century the house had extensive gardens, one of Texas' first private tennis courts, and a cedar-lined walk leading to the main entrance. Only the cedar walk has survived to the present.
Cavitt was actively involved in civic affairs and twice served as a county attorney, from 1878 to 1880 and again from 1882 to 1884. In personal business matters, Cavitt was primarily involved in the planting of cotton and the acquisition of rich farmland in the surrounding Brazos valley. At the time of his death, in 1924, Cavitt owned much of the land between Bryan and nearby College Station.
Of Cavitt's six children, two are still living. Edith and Ethel Cavitt, presently confined to a local nursing home, have retained ownership of the Cavitt House and most of its original furnishings.
The Cavitt House is unique in Bryan for its continued ownership by the family which built it and for the near total lack of major modifications and alterations, which have preserved the house in very nearly its original appearance. The age of the Cavitt House is particularly significant since much of Bryan was enlarged and rebuilt in the years following Reconstruction, after the erection of the Cavitt House.The Cavitt House is therefore of particular historical value to the city of Bryan since it represents the earliest group of substantial structures built there.
W. R. Cavitt, a prominent Brazos County landowner, purchased the city block on which the house stands for $1,000 in January, 1875. The following October he brought his bride, Mary Mitchell Cavitt, to the newly completed house. The large, white stuccoed home was constructed in the Italianate style with typically large fenestration, assymetrical massing and dominant cubic shapes. However, the house was unusually chaste for its style and date, and lacked the deep bracketed comices, corner tower, and elaborate millwork commonly foiond in contemporary examples of the mode. By the turn of the century the house had extensive gardens, one of Texas' first private tennis courts, and a cedar-lined walk leading to the main entrance. Only the cedar walk has survived to the present.
Cavitt was actively involved in civic affairs and twice served as a county attorney, from 1878 to 1880 and again from 1882 to 1884. In personal business matters, Cavitt was primarily involved in the planting of cotton and the acquisition of rich farmland in the surrounding Brazos valley. At the time of his death, in 1924, Cavitt owned much of the land between Bryan and nearby College Station.
Of Cavitt's six children, two are still living. Edith and Ethel Cavitt, presently confined to a local nursing home, have retained ownership of the Cavitt House and most of its original furnishings.
The Cavitt House is unique in Bryan for its continued ownership by the family which built it and for the near total lack of major modifications and alterations, which have preserved the house in very nearly its original appearance. The age of the Cavitt House is particularly significant since much of Bryan was enlarged and rebuilt in the years following Reconstruction, after the erection of the Cavitt House.The Cavitt House is therefore of particular historical value to the city of Bryan since it represents the earliest group of substantial structures built there.
Bibliography
Webb, Walter Prescott, ed., The Handbook of Texas, Austin: The Texas State Historical Association, 1952, Volumes A-K, L-Z
Dozier, Phyllis, The Cavitt House. A research paper prepared for the Texas Historical Commission by Ms. Dozier, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Brazos Valley.
Dozier, Phyllis, The Cavitt House. A research paper prepared for the Texas Historical Commission by Ms. Dozier, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Brazos Valley.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
About National Register Listings
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.
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About Brazos County
Brazos County Timeline
Brazos County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its establishment in 1841. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Tonkawa peoples. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1820s, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources of the region.
The county was officially created in 1841 and named after the Brazos River that flows through the area. During the mid-19th century, Brazos County experienced significant economic growth due to the expansion of cotton farming. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s further spurred development, leading to the establishment of new towns such as Bryan, which later became the county seat.
Brazos County played an important role in the Civil War, with many of its residents supporting the Confederacy. Throughout the war, Union troops occasionally invaded the county, leading to skirmishes between soldiers and local militias. The end of the war brought an era of reconstruction and the county, like many others in the South, faced significant economic challenges as it struggled to rebuild.
In the 20th century, Brazos County experienced steady growth and development. The presence of Texas A&M University, which was established in 1876, has had a major impact on the county's economy and cultural landscape. Today, Brazos County is a vibrant community known for its educational institutions, agriculture, and rich history.
The county was officially created in 1841 and named after the Brazos River that flows through the area. During the mid-19th century, Brazos County experienced significant economic growth due to the expansion of cotton farming. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s further spurred development, leading to the establishment of new towns such as Bryan, which later became the county seat.
Brazos County played an important role in the Civil War, with many of its residents supporting the Confederacy. Throughout the war, Union troops occasionally invaded the county, leading to skirmishes between soldiers and local militias. The end of the war brought an era of reconstruction and the county, like many others in the South, faced significant economic challenges as it struggled to rebuild.
In the 20th century, Brazos County experienced steady growth and development. The presence of Texas A&M University, which was established in 1876, has had a major impact on the county's economy and cultural landscape. Today, Brazos County is a vibrant community known for its educational institutions, agriculture, and rich history.
Brazos County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Brazos County, Texas.
- 1821 - Mexico gains independence from Spain, including the area that would become Brazos County.
- 1837 - Brazos County is officially founded and named after the Brazos River.
- 1854 - Texas A&M University is established in Brazos County.
- 1861 - The Civil War begins, affecting Brazos County and leading to economic challenges.
- 1882 - The first railroad reaches Bryan, the county seat of Brazos County, enhancing transportation and trade.
- 1900 - The town of Marystown, later renamed College Station, is established near Texas A&M University.
- 1930 - The area experiences significant population growth due to the expansion of Texas A&M University.
- 1943 - During World War II, the Bryan Air Base is established in Brazos County, contributing to the local economy.
- 1970 - George Bush, future President of the United States, moves to College Station and becomes involved in local politics.
- 1999 - The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is opened at Texas A&M University.