Brizendine House
507 W. 11th St., Austin, TXIn 1916, the house was listed as the residence of Catherine Brizendine, widow of John R. However, the records for 1922 show the house to have been vacant. From 1924 to 1927, Charles Cross, owner of the C.H. Cross Furniture Co., was listed as the occupant at 507 West 11th.
In 1928, Mrs. Elizabeth Gordon moved to Austin from the mountain region of Tennessee with her daughter and two sons. Mrs. Bettie Easton, the daughter of Mrs. Gordon said that her mother bought the house in that year, and that a wooden addition was built then, to serve as an art studio. Mrs. Gordon and her daughter were listed in the city directory of 1930 as being in the advertising busi-ness, and from 1935 to 1939, as being in interior decorat-ing and sales.
The house remained in possession of the Gordon family through 1972. It acquired the name Easton House or Brizendine-Easton House because Mrs. Gordon's daughter Bettie purchased the house after marrying Thomas Easton. Bettie Easton bought the house from Mrs. Margaret L. Gordon in 1966, and rented out portions of it until she sold the family home to Travis County in 197 2.
Unlike the large mansions nearby, the Brizendine-Easton house is an example of the few remaining early "workingman's homes" in Austin. Constructed of natural, hand-cut stone, it typifies a more practical, unadorned Style of the mid-19th century which is fast disappearing. In 1973, the Travis County Commissioner's Court had opted to raze the structure to make room for three additional parking spaces for the new courthouse annex. However, Austin citizens, led by the Travis County Historical Committee, persuaded the county commissioners not to destroy the land-mark. The Austin Heritage Society donated $5,000 toward restoration of the home. The Travis County Bar Association received permission to lease the house for office use and also contributed $5,000. (It will be paid back to them in the form of substantially reduced rent.) Thus, an important part of Austin's history will be able to continue its usefulness.
Bibliography
Austin American Statesman, December 2, 1972
Austin American Statesman, August 4, 1973
Austin American, September 7, 1973
Austin American Statesman, September 29, 1973
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
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.
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.
European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.
Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.
During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.
Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.
Travis County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Travis County, Texas.
- Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Travis County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache.
1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.
1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.
1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.
1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.
1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."
1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.
1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.
1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.
1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.
1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.
2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.