National Register Listing

Hill, Abraham Wiley, House

5 mi. SW of Hills Prairie, Hills Prairie, TX
In Bastrop County's rolling countryside, south of the Colorado River, Abraham Wiley Hill (whose name appears in various records as Abram Wiley Hill and A. Wylie Hill) established his plantation home. The house which Abraham Wiley Hill built for his family in the 1850s was a large columned, two-story frame, late Greek Revival residence. While Hill was not an outstanding historic personage, the house he constructed is among the finest mid-nineteenth-century Greek Revival houses in Texas.

Hill was born in Georgia on February 10, 1816, and immigrated to Texas with his brothers in 1835. The Hill family appears to have been one of the 140 families which John G. Mchee organized in 1833 in Alabama and Georgia, and brought to Texas in January 1835. The area south of the Colorado River which later formed the rural community of Hill's Prairie was first settled in 1829 by Edward Jenkins who received a land grant from the Mexican government. Jenkins was killed by Indians shortly after receiving his grant. This land and adjoining acreage were settled by the Mchee colonists and on July 7, 1835, Abraham Wiley Hill purchased over 2,000 acres of land from Jenkins' widow.

In 1836, Hill fought in the war for Texas Independence. According to his Service Record (No. 697), he served in Captain Karnes' company from April 12 to July 12, 1836. As a part of Karnes' company, he scouted for Sam Houston's army and was at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. On July 12, 1836, Hill joined Captain John G. McGehee's ranger company as a substitute for M. M. Hill. Whether this McGehee was a variation in the spelling of Mchee, the name of the man who organized the 140-family colony in 1833, is unclear.
About 1838, Hill brought Evaline Elizabeth Hubbard from Georgia to Bastrop as his wife. In the 1840 census of the Republic of Texas, A. W. Hill of Bastrop County is listed as owning, under the complete title, 2,299 acres, 9 slaves, 45 cattle, and one wagon.

Hill lived in the house until his death on December 29, 1884, and in 1887 the property was sold to Earl c. Erhard, in whose family the property has remained. The house, which is in fair condition has been boarded up and unoccupied for a number of years.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1962.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

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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Texas random facts
Bastrop County, Texas, located southeast of Austin, holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. The area was inhabited by indigenous tribes before European settlers arrived. In the early 19th century, permanent settlements began to emerge as the region became part of the Republic of Texas, following Texas' independence from Mexico in 1836.

Bastrop County was officially established during this period, named after Felipe Enrique Neri, Baron de Bastrop, a prominent figure in early Texas history. The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the 19th century, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of key industries like lumber and agriculture.

During the 20th century, Bastrop County continued to evolve, adapting to changing times and embracing modernization. The county has a rich agricultural heritage, particularly in cotton and cattle production. Additionally, Bastrop County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Lost Pines Forest, which provides a unique ecosystem and attracts visitors from near and far.

Today, Bastrop County is a diverse and dynamic region, balancing its historical roots with modern developments. The county offers a mix of rural charm and urban amenities, with communities that value their heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bastrop County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: Bastrop County was home to indigenous tribes, including the Tonkawa and Hasinai Caddo, who inhabited the area for centuries.

  • 1800s: In the early 19th century, the region witnessed an influx of Anglo-American settlers, with Stephen F. Austin's colony playing a significant role in the area's colonization.

  • 1836: Texas gains independence from Mexico, and the Republic of Texas is established. Bastrop County is officially formed in 1837 and named after Baron de Bastrop, a Dutch businessman who played a key role in the colony's development.

  • Late 1800s: Bastrop County thrives as an agricultural hub, with cotton production serving as a prominent economic activity. The arrival of railroads further facilitates trade and transportation.

  • 20th Century: The county witnesses modernization and growth, with the rise of other industries such as lumber, oil, and gas. Bastrop County also plays a role in World War II as Camp Swift, a military training facility, is established.

  • 21st Century: Bastrop County faces challenges such as wildfires, notably the devastating Bastrop County Complex Fire in 2011, which impacted thousands of acres and destroyed hundreds of homes. The county continues to evolve, balancing its agricultural roots with suburban growth and maintaining its natural beauty.