Historical Marker
West Hill
Marker installed: 1974
Tradition says architect Abner Cook built this house for Ruben and Mary Runner about 1855. Some later owners were F.E. Chandler and H.E. Shelley, lawyers, 1863-1909; The May Thompson family, 1917-69. Originally the house faced east, preempting the entire 1700 block, Rio Grande to West Avenue, with a separate kitchen, carriage house, other structures on the grounds. Severe changes and decay preceded the beginning of restoration by the Travis Williamson family in 1970.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1974.
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.