Conn, Adrian Edwards, House
Jct. of U.S. 281 and SW boundary of courthouse square, Blanco, TXThe Adrian Edwards Conn House, the name be which this house has been known for more than two decades, is an interesting and typical German pioneer building type found only in the Texas Hill Country. The house was constructed of sixteen-inch wide hand-cut limestone. The date of the construction is obscured local tradition claims a date in the mid-1850s. Since the Blanco County records were destroyed in a fire in 1872, there is no known evidence to substantiate this date. The house, which is recognized as the oldest house in the town of Blanco, is known to have been in existence in 1873, when Mr. A. Capt, the first occupant for which there is a record, sold the structure to Dr. T. G. Edwards.
Dr. Edwards lived on the property until 1882 when he turned it over to his son, Dr. G. A. Edwards, and his son's wife, Mrs. Adrian Robinson Edwards. G. A. Edwards died in 1940 and his wife later married Lee Conn, who died in 1947. Mrs. Adrian Edwards Conn lived in the house for a total of 78 years until her death in 1960. The house is now leased by the Blanco Chamber of Commerce, which hopes to purchase and restore the structure.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966.
Local significance of the building:
Dr. Edwards lived on the property until 1882 when he turned it over to his son, Dr. G. A. Edwards, and his son's wife, Mrs. Adrian Robinson Edwards. G. A. Edwards died in 1940 and his wife later married Lee Conn, who died in 1947. Mrs. Adrian Edwards Conn lived in the house for a total of 78 years until her death in 1960. The house is now leased by the Blanco Chamber of Commerce, which hopes to purchase and restore the structure.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
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.
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
About Blanco County
Blanco County Timeline
Blanco County, located in central Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early days of European exploration and settlement in the region. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Comanches and Lipan Apaches. In the 18th century, Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived in the area, leaving behind a few names like Blanco, which means "white" in Spanish and was inspired by the limestone bluffs along the Blanco River.
The first permanent settlements in Blanco County were established in the 1850s by pioneers attracted by the fertile land and abundant water sources. These early settlers were primarily farmers and ranchers who built thriving communities such as Blanco and Johnson City. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century brought increased prosperity and facilitated the export of agricultural products, particularly wool and livestock.
Blanco County played a significant role in the history of Texas during the 20th century. In 1905, the county seat was moved from Blanco to Johnson City, which became the birthplace of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The LBJ Ranch, where the President lived for much of his life, is now a National Historic Site that attracts visitors from around the world.
Today, Blanco County continues to thrive as a popular destination for tourism, particularly due to its scenic beauty, wineries, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The county's rich history is celebrated through various museums, monuments, and annual events that showcase its cultural heritage. Whether exploring the stunning landscapes, visiting historic sites, or experiencing the local hospitality, Blanco County offers a glimpse into the fascinating history of Texas.
The first permanent settlements in Blanco County were established in the 1850s by pioneers attracted by the fertile land and abundant water sources. These early settlers were primarily farmers and ranchers who built thriving communities such as Blanco and Johnson City. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century brought increased prosperity and facilitated the export of agricultural products, particularly wool and livestock.
Blanco County played a significant role in the history of Texas during the 20th century. In 1905, the county seat was moved from Blanco to Johnson City, which became the birthplace of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The LBJ Ranch, where the President lived for much of his life, is now a National Historic Site that attracts visitors from around the world.
Today, Blanco County continues to thrive as a popular destination for tourism, particularly due to its scenic beauty, wineries, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The county's rich history is celebrated through various museums, monuments, and annual events that showcase its cultural heritage. Whether exploring the stunning landscapes, visiting historic sites, or experiencing the local hospitality, Blanco County offers a glimpse into the fascinating history of Texas.
Blanco County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Blanco County, Texas.
- 1839 - Blanco County is established and named after the Blanco River.
- 1850s - German immigrants begin to settle in the area, establishing farms and ranches.
- 1855 - The town of Blanco is founded as the county seat.
- 1860s - Blanco County becomes a center for cattle ranching and agriculture.
- 1869 - The Blanco County Courthouse is built, which still stands today.
- 1873 - The first public school is opened in Blanco County.
- 1885 - The Cedar Mountain School, the first high school in the county, is founded.
- 1891 - The Blanco County News, the first newspaper in the county, is established.
- 1900s - The county experiences economic growth with the expansion of the railroad and the growth of the granite industry.
- 1928 - The Pedernales Electric Cooperative is established, providing electricity to rural areas of Blanco County.
- 1960s - Tourism becomes an important industry in Blanco County, with visitors attracted to the scenic beauty and outdoor activities.
- 1997 - The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is established, preserving the home and ranch of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson.