National Register Listing

Carter, W. T., Jr., House

18 Courtlandt Pl., Houston, TX
In a neighborhood full of excellent examples of early 20th century architecture, the W. T. Carter, Jr. House was one of the few to break with the pattern of the eclectic Revival styles to present the modern influences of the Prairie Style movement. Designed by Lorehn and Briscoe in 1912, the Carter House is an excellent example in Houston of the Prairie house motif and reflects the elegance and architectural quality common along Courtlandt Place, one of Houston's earliest and most exclusive neighborhoods. The house is also significant as the home of W. T. Carter, Jr. prominent in the lumber business, as well as real estate activities.

Although Birdsall P. Briscoe later completed seven designs for the Courtlandt Place subdivision, his design of the W. T. Carter, Jr, House, in partnership with Olle J. Lorehn, was his first commission in that neighborhood. Briscoe was one of Houston's finest domestic architects in the 20th century and practiced in that city from 1906-71.

In 1912 W. T. Carter, Jr. built the fifth house in the newly developed subdivision of Courtlandt Place for his family. Descendants of the Carter family owned and occupied the house until 1978. W. T. Carter, Jr., leader in the lumber business in Houston, was a major partner in the firm of W. T, Carter and Brothers Lumber Co., begun by his father W. T. Carter, Sr. in 1846. Active in the affairs of Houston, Carter served on the City Council, the Port Commission, and was instrumental in the founding of Gilbralter Savings and Loan. Carter was also active in the real estate business. At the urging of a cousin he purchased 400 acres of land in south Houston and tried to urge the city to build its first airport. The city refused, so they borrowed money from other family members and built their own facility, formed an aviation company mainly engaged in aerial surveys, and had the first air mail service inaugurated for Houston. Ten years later the city finally took over the facility, naming it Hobby Field, and the airport is still used today for commercial aviation.
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.

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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Harris County in Texas has a significant history that shaped its growth and importance. Established in 1837, the county was named after John Richardson Harris, founder of the first settlement, Harrisburg. Houston, the county seat, became a prominent commercial and shipping center due to its strategic location and railroads.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Harris County experienced rapid economic diversification and growth. The discovery of oil in the Spindletop field fueled Houston's emergence as an energy and petrochemical hub. Industries like cotton, lumber, shipping, and manufacturing thrived. NASA's Johnson Space Center further solidified the county's significance in space exploration and technology.

Harris County's demographic diversity is a defining aspect, attracting immigrants from various backgrounds. Houston became a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant culinary scene, dynamic arts community, and diverse festivals, reflecting its multicultural fabric.

Today, Harris County remains an influential economic and cultural center. Its strong economy spans energy, healthcare, technology, and international trade. The county houses renowned medical facilities and research institutions. Despite facing natural disasters, Harris County showcases resilience and implements measures to mitigate their impact.

With its rich history, economic vitality, multiculturalism, and ongoing growth, Harris County continues to shape Texas as a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and innovation.

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

  • Pre-19th Century: The region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapa.

  • 1822: Harrisburg, the county's first settlement, is founded by John Richardson Harris, a pioneer and one of the early Texas colonists.

  • 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas independence from Mexico, took place in present-day Harris County.

  • 1837: Harris County is officially established and named after John Richardson Harris.

  • 19th Century: Houston, the county seat and the largest city in Texas, experiences rapid growth due to its strategic location along Buffalo Bayou and the construction of railroads. The city becomes a major commercial and shipping hub, attracting industries such as cotton, lumber, and oil.

  • 20th Century: The discovery of oil in the nearby Spindletop field and the subsequent growth of the oil industry greatly contribute to Harris County's economic development. Houston becomes an energy and petrochemical center.

  • 1960s-1980s: The space industry plays a crucial role in Harris County's history with the establishment of NASA's Johnson Space Center, where mission control for the Apollo program is located.

  • Today: Harris County continues to be a thriving economic and cultural center. It is home to a diverse population, numerous industries, world-class medical facilities, and renowned cultural institutions.