Burford, R. F. and Lena, House
a.k.a. #31
920 N. Penelope St., Belton, TXThe Burford House is a textbook example of a Prairie School foursquare house. Contextually it relates to community and Regional Development, illustrating the boom in middle-class house construction of the early 20th century. The house is eligible for listing in the National Register under Criterion c, significant in the area of Architecture, as a Belton example of the proliferating Prairie School architecture of the time.
The Burford Residence was built around 1909 for R. F. and Lena Venable Burford. Mrs. Burford's family, the Venables, was engaged in the construction industry as partners in the Belton New Lumber Company. This would explain why the Burford House is a classic example of Prairie School design, broadly promoted through the building industry in the early 20th century. The Burford House is an early local example of the American Foursquare house that was popular in Texas from about 1910 to 1930. The name is derived from the roughly square plan of the house, with four rooms per floor. Foursquare houses appeared with a variety of stylistic details, including Arts & Crafts, period revival styles, and Prairie School design. This house, with its broad eaves and simple geometrical ornament, is an excellent example of the latter, incorporating Arts & Crafts details in the joinery of the porch beams.
Local significance of the building:
The Burford Residence was built around 1909 for R. F. and Lena Venable Burford. Mrs. Burford's family, the Venables, was engaged in the construction industry as partners in the Belton New Lumber Company. This would explain why the Burford House is a classic example of Prairie School design, broadly promoted through the building industry in the early 20th century. The Burford House is an early local example of the American Foursquare house that was popular in Texas from about 1910 to 1930. The name is derived from the roughly square plan of the house, with four rooms per floor. Foursquare houses appeared with a variety of stylistic details, including Arts & Crafts, period revival styles, and Prairie School design. This house, with its broad eaves and simple geometrical ornament, is an excellent example of the latter, incorporating Arts & Crafts details in the joinery of the porch beams.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
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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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.
About Bell County
Bell County Timeline
Bell County, located in central Texas, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, with the first permanent settlement established in 1850 by Thomas M. Bigham, who built a log cabin near the Lampasas River.
The county was officially established in 1850 and named after Governor Peter H. Bell. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived to take advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the primary industry in the region, with the first cotton gin built in 1853. The county also became an important shipping point due to its proximity to the Chisholm Trail, which was used to drive cattle to markets in the north.
During the Civil War, Bell County played a significant role in supporting the Confederate cause. Several Confederate camps were established in the area, and the county experienced some military action, including the Battle of Stampede Valley in 1863. After the war, the county began to recover and diversify its economy. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, bringing further growth and development.
In the 20th century, Bell County continued to experience growth and modernization. Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the country, was established in 1942. The presence of the military base provided a significant economic boost to the county and continues to be a major employer and contributor to the local economy. Today, Bell County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and military-related industries.
The county was officially established in 1850 and named after Governor Peter H. Bell. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived to take advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the primary industry in the region, with the first cotton gin built in 1853. The county also became an important shipping point due to its proximity to the Chisholm Trail, which was used to drive cattle to markets in the north.
During the Civil War, Bell County played a significant role in supporting the Confederate cause. Several Confederate camps were established in the area, and the county experienced some military action, including the Battle of Stampede Valley in 1863. After the war, the county began to recover and diversify its economy. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, bringing further growth and development.
In the 20th century, Bell County continued to experience growth and modernization. Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the country, was established in 1942. The presence of the military base provided a significant economic boost to the county and continues to be a major employer and contributor to the local economy. Today, Bell County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and military-related industries.
Bell County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bell County, Texas.
- 1834 - Bell County is established by the Republic of Texas
- 1850 - The first permanent settlement, known as Nolanville, is established
- 1851 - A post office is established in the town of Belton
- 1852 - The county seat is moved from Nolanville to Belton
- 1858 - The Belton Female College is founded
- 1861-1865 - Bell County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War
- 1870 - The Houston and Texas Central Railway arrives in Bell County, boosting economic growth
- 1881 - The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is founded in Belton
- 1892 - The town of Temple is established as a railroad town
- 1913 - The Santa Fe Railroad builds a major railroad station in Temple
- 1920s - Bell County experiences an oil boom
- 1957 - Construction begins on the Fort Hood military base
- 1980s - Bell County's economy diversifies with the growth of healthcare and technology industries
- 2005 - The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is established in Killeen