Hancock, John, House
1306 Colorado St., Austin, TXHancock, a lineal descendant of the Virginia family of Hancocks, was born in Jackson County, Alabama, in 1824. After completion of his law studies at Winchester, Tennessee, he came to Texas to practice. As evidenced by his large, lucrative law business, Hancock acquired a well respected reputation and in 1851, at the age of only twenty-six years, was elected judge of the District Court of the Second Judicial District. Although his term of office was for six years, he resigned after serving only four years in order to resume his large law practice.
In 1860, Hancock was elected to the State Legislature on the Union ticket. However, when the war began in 1861, he declined to take the oath of allegiance to the Confederate States and, thus, eliminated himself as a member of the Texas Legislature. Throughout the war he continued to practice in State courts, but refused to conduct any legal business in the Confederate courts, or in any way. recognize their validity.
Hancock served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1866. In 1870, when nominated for an appointment to Congress by the State Convention in Seguin, Hancock declined, but was finally persuaded by his friends to accept the Democratic nomination the following year. The following year Hancock served in the Congress from 1871 to 1877 and again from 1883 to 1885.
Hancock lived in the house from 1854 to 1858 when he sold the property to Robert Smith. John Eisenbach, operator of the famous Capitol Hotel, purchased the property in 1872 and is believed to have lived there until 1887. John Goodman bought the house from Eisenbach and the Goodman family owned the property until 1937. A 1940 brick addition to the rear is the only major alteration to the original building.
Bibliography
Webb, Walter Prescott, ed. The Handbook of Texas. Vol. 1 of 2, (Austin: The Texas State Historical Association, 1952).
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.