National Register Listing

Bridges-Johnson House

Off TX 6, SW of Meridian, Meridian, TX
The Bridges-Johnson House is rare in both plan and construction techniques. Concrete octagonal rooms flanking a breezeway are unique among the known extant buildings in Texas. Although lime concrete was used along the Gulf Coast prior to the Civil War, it was rare in the sparsely settled, inland regions. Octagonal forms for residences are practically unknown in Texas, unlike the northeastern states, which can boast many examples. The house represents an innovative local adaptation of a distantly popular style.

At the time the house was erected the town of Meridian was only about six years old. It had been laid out by Goerge B. Erath, an immigrant from Austria who had been prominent in Texas military activities. However, the town was not incorporated until 1874. Later in the century, numerous Norwegian immigrants settled in the rural areas surrounding Meridian.

According to the Deed Records of Bosque County, W. H. Bridges purchased thirty-six acres of land from John Abney for $146 in 1861. Bridges was a physician who had moved to Texas from Georgia. In 1862 this same acreage was sold to Alfred Fine and his wife, Rachel for the sum of $1100. This increase in property value indicates the construction of the double-octagon house. The property then changed ownership several times before W.T. Johnson purchased it in 1882. The house remained in the Johnson family until 1965 when it was purchased by Jack Kirbey. Several years later the present owner, Richard D. Bass, a wealthy oilman, acquired the property.

Possibly the builder of the unusual dwelling was familiar with octagonal buildings elsewhere in the state of Texas as well as in the United States. Orson Squire Fowler, a Phrenologist, made the octagonal mode known through his 1848 book, A Home for All, or a New Cheap, Convenient, and Superior Mode of Building. In this volume, octagonal construction was described. In addition, walls formed with a mixture of water, lime, gravel, and sand were described in the latter volume, similar to the type used in the double octagon near Meridian.

Within the state, other examples of the octagonal mode appeared in the president's house at Baylor University, Independence, and in the Tarrant County Courthouse of 1876 in Fort Worth. Neither of these buildings exists today.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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.

bridges
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
Texas random facts
Bosque County, located in central Texas, has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was once inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Comanche, and Lipan Apache. Spanish explorers began to explore the region in the 17th century, but it wasn't until the mid-19th century that settlers began to arrive in significant numbers.

In 1852, the Texas legislature formally established Bosque County, named after the Bosque River, which flows through the area. The county quickly developed as an agricultural hub, with settlers primarily engaged in farming and ranching. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further spurred economic growth and brought increased connectivity to the area.

During the Civil War, Bosque County, like much of Texas, sided with the Confederacy. The county sent troops to fight under the Confederate banner, and the war had a significant impact on the local economy. After the war, Bosque County faced challenges in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure.

In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil and gas brought renewed prosperity to Bosque County. The oil industry brought investment and job opportunities, leading to a period of economic growth and development. Today, Bosque County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and historical landmarks, making it a popular destination for tourists and a desirable place to live.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bosque County, Texas.

  • 1854 - Bosque County is created and organized, named after the Bosque River.
  • 1855 - Bosque County's first permanent settlement, Clifton, is established.
  • 1861-1865 - During the Civil War, Bosque County supports the Confederacy.
  • 1870 - The first courthouse is built in Meridian, which becomes the county seat.
  • 1882 - The Waco and Northwestern Railroad is completed, boosting the county's economy.
  • 1890s - Bosque County experiences an economic boom due to agriculture and the expansion of railroads.
  • 1905 - Meridian becomes the first community in central Texas to have electric lights.
  • 1929 - The Great Depression negatively impacts the county's economy.
  • 1938 - The Civilian Conservation Corps builds Lake Whitney, a popular recreational site.
  • 1940s-1950s - Bosque County's population declines due to outmigration and agricultural changes.
  • 1990s - Bosque County experiences population growth and a revitalization of its downtown areas.
  • 2015 - Bosque County celebrates its 160th anniversary.