D. C. Riley House

Historical marker location:

Fredericksburg, Texas

( take RR 965 N approx. 17 miles to Lower Crabapple Rd.; then east on Crab Apple 2.6 miles to Itz-Kast Rd.; then north on Itz .2 miles)

Marker installed: 1972

Four generations have lived in this house built in early 1870s by Crabapple community pioneer David Crockett Riley (1840-1900). Stone for 24" outer walls and 18" partitions came from a hill a mile north; timbers were hand-hewn from farm trees; milled lumber hauled from Austin (90 mi. SE). With a purchased lock for model, rest of door locks were made in farm shop. Workmen were paid 50 cents and a pint of Crockett Riley's whiskey (home-distilled) for a day's work.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1972.

houses residential buildings pioneers

In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.