National Register Listing

Connelly-Yerwood House

1115 E 12th St., Austin, TX

The Connelly-Yerwood house is significant because it was home to two pioneering black families and is representative of a group of vernacular house types that proliferated in East Austin during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Connelly-Yerwood house is named for each of the two families who have called it home. The Yerwoods, an African-American family purchased the house in 1926 from the Connellys, a typical white, working-class family who had occupied the house since its construction in 1904. The nature of this seemingly benign household transition is significant in that it speaks to larger demographic changes which took place in Austin during the early part of the last century; changes that helped shape the racially and ethnically diverse character of contemporary East Austin neighborhoods. The house is eligible under Criterion A in the area of Ethnic History: Black on the local level, and Criterion B in the area of Medicine at the local level, in its capacity as home to Connie, Joyce and Charles Yerwood, three pioneering black physicians. The building's modified L-Plan and Late Victorian (Queen Anne) decorative scheme mark it as a representative example of one of a group of vernacular house types that proliferated in East Austin during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With significant changes to the house's form, however, it has not retained sufficient architectural integrity to qualify for listing under Criterion C.
Local significance of the building:
Black; Health/medicine

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

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.

ethnic heritage black health medicine architecture houses residential buildings
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
Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.