National Register Listing

Cleveland, A. S., House

8 Courtlandt Pl., Houston, TX
The A. S. Cleveland House is a good example in Houston of the early 20th Century eclectic styles and reflects the elegance and architectural quality common along Courtlandt Place, one of Houston's earliest and most exclusive subdivisions. Designed by Sanguinet & Staats with Alfred Finn in 1911, the house was the third constructed in the neighborhood and serves as an important link with A. S. Cleveland, an important business and civic leader in Houston during the early 20th Century.

The architectural firm of Sanguinet & Staats who designed the Cleveland House, had also designed the first two houses in 1910 that face Courtlandt Place---the C. L. Neuhaus House and the Sterling Myer House. Originating in Fort Worth, the firm of Sanguinet & Staats later established offices in Houston and San Antonio. Alfred Finn, who joined the firm in 1904, ...) served as the supervising architect for this house and later moved to Houston in 1913 to handle the firm's Houston projects.

A. S. Cleveland, a native Houstonion whose father had moved to Houston in 1854. was in the wholesale grocery business and the cotton business with his father and brother. Also active in civic affairs, Cleveland was a member of the school board from 1905-23, was president of the Houston Chamber of Commerce in 1910, president of the Houston chapter of the American Red Cross, and trustee of both Rice University in Houston and the University of the South at Sweanee, Tennessee. The Clevelands lived in this house from 1911-1950.

For six years the house was leased and then in 1956 the Cleveland's daughter Mrs. William A. Kirkland and her husband moved into the house. A prominent banker, Mr. Kirkland was president of the 1st National Bank of Houston and in 1956 became president of the newly-merged 1st City National Bank of Houston, the city's largest bank.
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.

architecture houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.