National Register Listing

Astin, J. P., House

111 E. Campbell, Stamford, TX

The J.P. Astin House built between 1908 and 1913 (probably 1908-1910), is one of the most significant structures in Stamford. It is an architectural gem, a fine example of the Neo-Classical Revival style as it is interpreted on a very large house. Also, its builder and first occupant was J.P. Astin, a very early Stamford pioneer and civic leader.

The Neo-Classical Revival style was a popular residential style in the U.S. from the mid-1980s until World War I. It was particularly adaptable to the large-house format. The Astin House is an outstanding example of the style, which is rare in the city. It is one of Stamford's largest and most impressive homes and one of its best preserved and unaltered early twentieth-century dwellings.

J.P. Astin, the builder of the house, came to Stamford in 1908 to participate in the building of the town as a real estate agent, speculator, and developer. He was quite successful at these enterprises and built his magnificent residence after approximately ten years in the city. Since its construction, the house has remained unaltered. The present owners conducted a thorough restoration/modernization in 1983 and early 1984 which is extremely sympathetic to the original fabric and character of the house.

The house is prominently situated on a corner lot in an older residential neighborhood.

Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

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
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Jones County is located in central Texas and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Kiowa. European exploration of the region began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers ventured into Texas. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that Jones County was established.

In the 1830s, during the Texas Revolution, settlers began to move into the area that would become Jones County. The region was originally part of Bexar County, but in 1858 it became its own county and was named after Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas. The county quickly grew with the establishment of farms, ranches, and small towns.

During the American Civil War, Jones County gained notoriety for its unique stance. While most of Texas sided with the Confederacy, Jones County declared itself neutral. This neutrality was mainly motivated by opposition to the Confederacy's conscription policies and the belief that the war was fought for the benefit of the wealthy planters. The county formed its own militia, known as the Jones County Union Guards, and resisted conscription efforts.

After the Civil War, the county experienced a period of growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped spur economic growth in the area. The town of Anson, the county seat, became an important shipping point for agricultural products. Ranching and farming continued to be the primary industries in the county, with cotton becoming a major cash crop.

In the 20th century, the county continued to thrive, with the discovery of oil and gas deposits providing a boost to the local economy. Today, Jones County remains a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and service-based industries. The county is known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and friendly communities.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jones County, Texas.

  • 1858 - Jones County is formed from Bexar and Bosque Counties.
  • 1861-1865 - Jones County sends troops to fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1881 - The Texas Central Railway is built through Jones County, bringing economic growth.
  • 1890s - The county experiences an oil boom, attracting investors and workers.
  • 1928 - The construction of Fort Phantom Hill Dam begins, providing water and hydroelectric power.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression hits Jones County, causing economic hardships.
  • 1940s-1950s - Jones County experiences population decline and agricultural challenges.
  • 1990s-present - The county sees some economic recovery with the growth of wind energy production.