Hall, Robert, House
214 S. Travis St, Seguin, TXThe Robert Hall House is one of Seguin's most important historical landmarks. The original log portion of the house was built by one of the town's founders, Captain Robert Hall, an early Texas pioneer, and patriot, and remains the oldest house built after the city was established. The town was founded by several shareholders, all members of Mathew Caldwell's company of Gonzales Rangers. The townsite, then known as Walnut Springs, was surveyed in 1838 by Ben McCulloch and the name changed to Seguin in 1839 to honor Juan N. Seguin, who fought with the Texas Army at the battle of San Jacinto. As one of the founders and original shareholders, Robert Hall built the first house, a 16x18' log cabin, as specified in the shareholders' agreement.
Born in South Carolina in 1814, Robert Hall later moved to Tennessee with his family. Hall apparently came to Texas in 1836 to enlist with the Texas Army during the Texas Revolution. He later joined the Texas Ranger company serving with Ben McCulloch. In 1838 Hall and three other Rangers secured the land and laid out the town of Seguin. Hall served for three years with the Confederacy and later as part of the 32nd cavalry.
The concrete used for the lower portion of the house has architectural significance as an excellent example of the early concrete building in Texas. The formula, developed by Dr. Richard Park, a chemist living in Seguin between 1840-1860, was developed from the readily available natural materials---gravel and lime--- deposited in abundance along the Guadalupe River. Of as many as ninety concrete residences, and commercial and public buildings built during this period in Seguin, only about 25 remain today.
Local significance of the building:
Born in South Carolina in 1814, Robert Hall later moved to Tennessee with his family. Hall apparently came to Texas in 1836 to enlist with the Texas Army during the Texas Revolution. He later joined the Texas Ranger company serving with Ben McCulloch. In 1838 Hall and three other Rangers secured the land and laid out the town of Seguin. Hall served for three years with the Confederacy and later as part of the 32nd cavalry.
The concrete used for the lower portion of the house has architectural significance as an excellent example of the early concrete building in Texas. The formula, developed by Dr. Richard Park, a chemist living in Seguin between 1840-1860, was developed from the readily available natural materials---gravel and lime--- deposited in abundance along the Guadalupe River. Of as many as ninety concrete residences, and commercial and public buildings built during this period in Seguin, only about 25 remain today.
Exploration/settlement; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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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Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
About Guadalupe County
Guadalupe County Timeline
Guadalupe County, located in south-central Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan, Karankawa, and Tonkawa tribes. These indigenous communities thrived off the region's abundant waterways and natural resources.
The area came under Spanish rule in the 18th century when Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived. In 1756, the Spanish established the Mission Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de los Nacogdoches near present-day Seguin, marking the beginning of European settlement in the area. The mission was intended to convert and provide shelter for Native Americans, but it was eventually abandoned due to conflicts with local tribes.
During the turbulent years of the 19th century, Guadalupe County witnessed significant changes. In 1836, the Battle of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution prompted a wave of Anglo-American settlers to move into the area. The county was officially established in 1846, and soon after, it became an important center for agriculture, particularly cotton production.
The county's growth continued during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s brought increased economic opportunities and facilitated trade with other regions of the state. By the early 20th century, Guadalupe County had a thriving economy with industries such as agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing.
Today, Guadalupe County retains its agricultural heritage while also being home to a diverse mix of industries and communities. It offers a unique blend of rural charm, natural beauty, and a growing suburban area. With its rich historical background and vibrant present, Guadalupe County remains an essential part of the Lone Star State.
The area came under Spanish rule in the 18th century when Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived. In 1756, the Spanish established the Mission Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de los Nacogdoches near present-day Seguin, marking the beginning of European settlement in the area. The mission was intended to convert and provide shelter for Native Americans, but it was eventually abandoned due to conflicts with local tribes.
During the turbulent years of the 19th century, Guadalupe County witnessed significant changes. In 1836, the Battle of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution prompted a wave of Anglo-American settlers to move into the area. The county was officially established in 1846, and soon after, it became an important center for agriculture, particularly cotton production.
The county's growth continued during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s brought increased economic opportunities and facilitated trade with other regions of the state. By the early 20th century, Guadalupe County had a thriving economy with industries such as agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing.
Today, Guadalupe County retains its agricultural heritage while also being home to a diverse mix of industries and communities. It offers a unique blend of rural charm, natural beauty, and a growing suburban area. With its rich historical background and vibrant present, Guadalupe County remains an essential part of the Lone Star State.
Guadalupe County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Guadalupe County, Texas.
- 1838: Guadalupe County is established as a county in the Republic of Texas.
- 1846: Guadalupe County becomes a part of the state of Texas after Texas is annexed by the United States.
- 1848: The county seat of Guadalupe County is established in Seguin.
- 1861-1865: Guadalupe County is greatly affected by the American Civil War.
- 1876: The courthouse in Seguin is destroyed by fire but is rebuilt the following year.
- Late 1800s: The county experiences significant growth with the introduction of the railroad and the development of agriculture and industry.
- Early 1900s: Guadalupe County experiences further growth with the discovery of oil and gas in the area.
- 1930s-1940s: Guadalupe County suffers from the effects of the Great Depression and World War II.
- 1960s-1970s: The county experiences growth and development with the construction of Interstate 10 and the expansion of the petrochemical industry.
- 2000s: Guadalupe County continues to grow and attract new residents and businesses.