Historical Marker
Fischer House
Marker installed: 1982
Prussian native Joseph Fischer (1826-1889) constructed this home for his family in 1882 with the help of his son Francis. Skilled stonemasons, Joseph and Francis Fischer developed one of Austin's leading masonry contracting businesses of many notable area buildings, including the Texas Capitol. The Fischer house reflects the quality of their craftsmanship in elaborate ornamentation of brick and native limestone. High Victorian, Italiante in design, the home was owned by the family members until 1938.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1982.
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.