Hildreth-Flanagan-Heierman House
3909 Ave. G, Austin, TXOn September 20, 1900, Charles A. Hildreth paid $560 for a generous tract of land comprised of lots 5-8 in Block 37 of the Hyde Park Addition (DR 163:602). After holding the property for two years, he hired master builder William Voss, Sr., who also built 4001 Avenue C and 4205 Avenue F, to construct "a dwelling house, stable and galvanized iron cistern . . . for a consideration of $2718".
Hildreth resided in the new house for only a year before dying on February 2, 1904. His widow subsequently married Webster Flanagan, a bookkeeper and Internal Revenue Service collector, and they lived in 3909 Avenue G until Nancy Ann Hildreth Flanagan death in 1929 (Probate File No. 6970). Her will stipulated that the home be sold immediately after her death. Consequently, the executor of her estate sold the property, which had been re-subdivided as lot 29 of the Shadow Lawn Addition, to Harry W. Heierman.
From Massillon, Ohio, Heierman moved to Austin in the late 1880s. He joined relatives in founding Austin Foundry and Machine Shop about 1887 to manufacture boilers, engines, and brass and iron castings (Austin City Directories). The successful business eventually merged with a company owned by the Tips family and was renamed Heierman Industries (Austin American. February 18, 1946:2). Harry Heierman occupied 3909 Avenue G until his death on February 16, 1946 (Probate File No. 11,896) and the house remains in the family. It was zoned historic by the City of Austin in 1987 (City of Austin. Historic Landmark Inventory File C14h-74-008).
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
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 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.