Governor's Mansion
1010 Colorado St., Austin, TXTexas law demands that each governor must live in a governor's mansion during his term of office. The first structure built to serve this purpose was a two-story frame "president's house" at Seventh and San Jacinto. By 1850, how-ever, the house was clearly insufficient, and the Legislature made plans to build a new Governor's Mansion. The Legislature appropriated $2,500 for furnishings. Abner Cook, famous for his work on other Austin homes, was architect-contractor.
Cook finished the mansion by 1856. It was in Greek revival style and used bricks made in Austin, and pine logs from Bastrop. The mansion was rectangular— 105 feet long and fifty-six feet wide— and six Ionic pillars extended the two-story height. Cook's plans involved four rooms around a central hallway and a kitchen wing which he built apart from the main portion of the house. Nine large fireplaces gave heat during the winter; wide porches caught breezes during the long Texas summers.
Most of the first-floor rooms are used for entertaining. Two north rooms, for example, have been combined to form the Blue Room. A second reception area is the Green Room, south of the entrance hall. The chandelier in this second room is said to be the only original light fixture remaining in the Mansion.
The State Dining Room, used for all state luncheons and banquets, is back of the Green Room. It is decorated in red, and accented in white. Its furniture includes Chippendale dining chairs and a Chippendale sideboard. The south and west wings are additions to the original plan, and they serve as private rooms for the governor's family. Mementos and reminders of previous occupants are scattered throughout the Portraits of outstanding Texans such as John Reagan, and William and John Wharton line the walls of the second-floor hallway; the Sam Houston room includes Houston's four-poster bed, Stephen F. Austin's mahogany chest, and Houston's hand-written treaty with the Cherokee Indians.
Recently-added furnishings have been carefully planned. Originally, Governor Pease sent Colonel S.M. Swenson to New York to buy rugs, draperies, and furniture. Subsequent addition were frequently comical: on the first floor, for example, delicate eighteenth-century French chairs stood beside massive Victorian chests. A Mansion Board quickly remedied such anomalies however, and now each governor's wife must confer with the Board concerning her selections of furniture and decorations.
The Governor' s Mansion was the first structure to be designated a Texas Historic Landmark, recorded in 1962. Official dedication ceremonies were held December 7, 1969.
Bibliography
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
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 cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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 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.