Roper Hotel
TX 281 and 3rd St., Marble Falls, TXThe Roper Hotel, built around 1888 by George Calvin and Elizabeth Huckenhull Roper, was built of brick made locally. The Roper was one of the earliest hotels in Marble Falls, a town being developed in the 1870s and '80s as "The Manufacturing Center of the Southwest", and enjoyed a long and successful role in the town as a weekend stopover for Texas governors and politicians, a stage stop, headquarters for "drummers', or traveling salesmen, and as an elegant small hotel known as Francis House during the 1940s, 50's and 60's.
The Rope rs came to Texas in the late 1870s from Georgia via Missouri and Kansas and settled in Burnet before moving to Marble Falls. They were probably drawn to Marble Falls, the source of granite for the state capital building and later the source of granite for the construction of jetties and the Galveston Seawall, because of de development of the area by Gen. Adam Rankin Johnson of Burnet. The combination of the abundance of water power and the construction of a railroad spur for hauling granite to the capital seemed to make this a very reasonable location as a manufacturing center. Their health was another factor in their choice. Both victims of malaria, the Ropers must have been drawn to the healthful climate and terrain of Marble Falls (touted in a 1908 brochure for its positive effect on those suffering from malaria).
During these early years, Governor Hogg and his entourage took excursions to Marble Falls on the railroad and held festivities on the steamer (owned by Mr. Roper's brother), frequented the saloons, and stayed at the Roper Hotel. The Roper was also a center for the traveling salesmen, then called drummers, who stayed there and displayed their wares at the hotel and served as a stage stop for several years.
The Roper was sold to W. F. Smith in 1926 and continued in operation under the name (at least by 1934) of Central Hotel. By the time Smith sold to Birdie Smith in 1937, the name had been changed to "Francis House". Smith's partner, Alpha Slining, kept her 1/2 share of the hotel until 1951. Birdie Smith turned over her managing 1/2 interest in the hotel to her brother, R. 0. Smith, in 1939. Active in the civic and commercial activities of the post-war era, R. 0. was elected mayor of Marble Falls for two consecutive terms in 1945 and 1947.
Francis House stayed in the Smith family until 1963, run as a small family-operated venture in conjunction with the local movie house, the Uptown Theatre, which was several blocks away. Local news articles of the day describe the elegant interior and antique furnishings of Francis House, but the name quickly reverted to Roper Hotel with the townspeople as soon as it ceased operations as Francis House.
The property changed hands several times after 1963 until it was purchased recently by the Gunns, who have hired a restoration architect to prepare a historic structures report and have applied for grant funds in order to restore the building to active commercial use in the community.
Local significance of the building:
The Rope rs came to Texas in the late 1870s from Georgia via Missouri and Kansas and settled in Burnet before moving to Marble Falls. They were probably drawn to Marble Falls, the source of granite for the state capital building and later the source of granite for the construction of jetties and the Galveston Seawall, because of de development of the area by Gen. Adam Rankin Johnson of Burnet. The combination of the abundance of water power and the construction of a railroad spur for hauling granite to the capital seemed to make this a very reasonable location as a manufacturing center. Their health was another factor in their choice. Both victims of malaria, the Ropers must have been drawn to the healthful climate and terrain of Marble Falls (touted in a 1908 brochure for its positive effect on those suffering from malaria).
During these early years, Governor Hogg and his entourage took excursions to Marble Falls on the railroad and held festivities on the steamer (owned by Mr. Roper's brother), frequented the saloons, and stayed at the Roper Hotel. The Roper was also a center for the traveling salesmen, then called drummers, who stayed there and displayed their wares at the hotel and served as a stage stop for several years.
The Roper was sold to W. F. Smith in 1926 and continued in operation under the name (at least by 1934) of Central Hotel. By the time Smith sold to Birdie Smith in 1937, the name had been changed to "Francis House". Smith's partner, Alpha Slining, kept her 1/2 share of the hotel until 1951. Birdie Smith turned over her managing 1/2 interest in the hotel to her brother, R. 0. Smith, in 1939. Active in the civic and commercial activities of the post-war era, R. 0. was elected mayor of Marble Falls for two consecutive terms in 1945 and 1947.
Francis House stayed in the Smith family until 1963, run as a small family-operated venture in conjunction with the local movie house, the Uptown Theatre, which was several blocks away. Local news articles of the day describe the elegant interior and antique furnishings of Francis House, but the name quickly reverted to Roper Hotel with the townspeople as soon as it ceased operations as Francis House.
The property changed hands several times after 1963 until it was purchased recently by the Gunns, who have hired a restoration architect to prepare a historic structures report and have applied for grant funds in order to restore the building to active commercial use in the community.
Industry; Commerce; Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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 is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
About Burnet County
Burnet County Timeline
Burnet County, TX is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and has a rich history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache. In the 1830s, European settlers began to arrive in the region, and in 1846, Burnet County was officially established by the Texas legislature.
During the mid-1800s, the county played a significant role in the development of Texas. It served as a route for settlers heading west to other regions and became a popular stop for travelers. The town of Burnet, the county seat, grew steadily and became a center for trade and commerce.
In the late 19th century, Burnet County experienced a boom when the railroad reached the area in 1882. This new mode of transportation brought an influx of people and helped to stimulate economic growth. Agriculture, particularly the production of cotton, flourished during this time. The county also saw the establishment of various businesses, schools, and churches.
In the 20th century, Burnet County continued to evolve. It became known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from all over. The area also played a role in World War II, as Camp Bowie, a military training facility, was built in the county. Today, Burnet County remains a vibrant community with a mix of historical significance and natural beauty, offering residents and visitors a unique experience.
During the mid-1800s, the county played a significant role in the development of Texas. It served as a route for settlers heading west to other regions and became a popular stop for travelers. The town of Burnet, the county seat, grew steadily and became a center for trade and commerce.
In the late 19th century, Burnet County experienced a boom when the railroad reached the area in 1882. This new mode of transportation brought an influx of people and helped to stimulate economic growth. Agriculture, particularly the production of cotton, flourished during this time. The county also saw the establishment of various businesses, schools, and churches.
In the 20th century, Burnet County continued to evolve. It became known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from all over. The area also played a role in World War II, as Camp Bowie, a military training facility, was built in the county. Today, Burnet County remains a vibrant community with a mix of historical significance and natural beauty, offering residents and visitors a unique experience.
Burnet County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Burnet County, Texas.
- 1848: Burnet County is established by the Texas legislature and named after David G. Burnet, the first president of the Republic of Texas.
- 1852: The first permanent settler, Reuben Hornsby, arrives in the area.
- 1854: The town of Burnet is designated as the county seat.
- 1861-1865: Burnet County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.
- 1870: The population of Burnet County reaches over 2,000.
- 1873: The Austin and Northwestern Railroad is completed, connecting Burnet County to other parts of Texas.
- 1882: The Texas Legislature establishes the first marble quarry in Marble Falls, bringing economic growth to the county.
- 1937: Lake Buchanan is completed, becoming the first of several reservoirs built in Burnet County to provide water and hydroelectric power.
- 1984: The Highland Lakes chain, a series of six reservoirs including Lake Buchanan, becomes a major tourist attraction in Burnet County.
- 2008: The historic Burnet County Courthouse, built in 1884, is restored and reopened to the public.