Williams-Erwin House
412 W. Marvin St., Waxahachie, TXReflecting the affluence attained by cotton merchants of Waxahachie in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, the Williams-Erwin is an outstanding Victorian residence constructed in the city's first addition to the original town site. The house was built in 1893 for Ed Williams, a prosperous local entrepreneur and later served as the home for R. K. Erwin, another prominent Waxahachie cotton businessman. Despite encroachment by later residential development, the house has remained virtually unaltered since its completion.
During the late 19th Century, Waxahachie served as the most important cotton center in Texas. Ed Williams' house typifies one of the most opulent homes constructed during this period and was located within Waxahachie's first addition. Developed by Ed Williams' father, the new subdivision carried his name, and several members of the Williams family built homes there. The Williams-Erwin house is one of only two of these family residences still standing.
In February 1893 Williams hired three local construction firms to build his house, and by August of that year, the contractors, Buell and Connelley, H. D. Timmons, and C. J. Griggs completed the building. As the house was being built, the local newspaper, The Enterprise, reported the progress of its construction.
Williams lived in the house for only a short while before selling it in 1902 to the wealthy R. K. Erwin. Well-known for his numerous parties, Erwin went to great expenses to ensure that his home would be a popular gathering place for the people of Waxahachie. He constructed a summerhouse (now razed) to serve as a dance hall for the countless parties held on the grounds; therefore, the Erwin residence became an important social center in the community. He owned the structure until his death in the early 1930s. After his death, his wife occupied the house for a short while before one of her sons, Frank, obtained possession of the house. He and his wife owned the house until 1945 when they moved to Dallas.
Since then, the house has changed hands numerous times; however, the present owners, Dr. and Ms. Redington have restored the house to its original appearance.
Local significance of the building:
During the late 19th Century, Waxahachie served as the most important cotton center in Texas. Ed Williams' house typifies one of the most opulent homes constructed during this period and was located within Waxahachie's first addition. Developed by Ed Williams' father, the new subdivision carried his name, and several members of the Williams family built homes there. The Williams-Erwin house is one of only two of these family residences still standing.
In February 1893 Williams hired three local construction firms to build his house, and by August of that year, the contractors, Buell and Connelley, H. D. Timmons, and C. J. Griggs completed the building. As the house was being built, the local newspaper, The Enterprise, reported the progress of its construction.
Williams lived in the house for only a short while before selling it in 1902 to the wealthy R. K. Erwin. Well-known for his numerous parties, Erwin went to great expenses to ensure that his home would be a popular gathering place for the people of Waxahachie. He constructed a summerhouse (now razed) to serve as a dance hall for the countless parties held on the grounds; therefore, the Erwin residence became an important social center in the community. He owned the structure until his death in the early 1930s. After his death, his wife occupied the house for a short while before one of her sons, Frank, obtained possession of the house. He and his wife owned the house until 1945 when they moved to Dallas.
Since then, the house has changed hands numerous times; however, the present owners, Dr. and Ms. Redington have restored the house to its original appearance.
Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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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The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
About Ellis County
Ellis County Timeline
Ellis County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county was established on December 20, 1849, and was named after Richard Ellis, president of the convention that declared Texas' independence from Mexico.
The area that is now Ellis County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Comanche. However, in the mid-1830s, European settlers began to arrive and establish homesteads in the region. These settlers were drawn to the fertile land and opportunities for farming and ranching.
During the Civil War, Ellis County was deeply divided, with residents supporting both the Union and the Confederacy. The county was the site of several skirmishes and raids, and endured a significant amount of destruction as a result. After the war, Ellis County began to rebuild and experienced a period of growth and development.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ellis County saw the rise of industries such as cotton farming, cattle ranching, and oil production. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further fueled the county's economic growth. Today, Ellis County remains an agricultural powerhouse, with a strong presence in the cotton and cattle industries, and is also home to a diverse range of businesses and thriving communities.
The area that is now Ellis County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Comanche. However, in the mid-1830s, European settlers began to arrive and establish homesteads in the region. These settlers were drawn to the fertile land and opportunities for farming and ranching.
During the Civil War, Ellis County was deeply divided, with residents supporting both the Union and the Confederacy. The county was the site of several skirmishes and raids, and endured a significant amount of destruction as a result. After the war, Ellis County began to rebuild and experienced a period of growth and development.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ellis County saw the rise of industries such as cotton farming, cattle ranching, and oil production. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further fueled the county's economic growth. Today, Ellis County remains an agricultural powerhouse, with a strong presence in the cotton and cattle industries, and is also home to a diverse range of businesses and thriving communities.
Ellis County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ellis County, Texas.
- 1849 - Ellis County is established from Navarro County.
- 1850 - Waxahachie is selected as the county seat.
- 1853 - The county courthouse is built.
- 1881 - The Texas Central Railroad reaches Waxahachie, boosting the local economy.
- 1883 - Southwestern Asylum for the Insane (now known as Terrell State Hospital) opens in Terrell, impacting the county's development.
- 1889 - A fire destroys the Ellis County courthouse.
- 1895 - A new courthouse is completed, designed by architect J. Riely Gordon.
- 1921 - An oil boom begins in Ellis County, leading to increased prosperity.
- 1934 - The Federal Correctional Institution is established in Seagoville.
- 1942 - The Naval Air Station is established in Waxahachie during World War II.
- 1969 - Navarro College opens a campus in Waxahachie.
- 1987 - Bluebonnet Festival debuts in Ennis, becoming an annual celebration.
- 2007 - Baylor Scott & White Medical Center opens in Waxahachie, providing advanced healthcare services to the county.