Mather-Kirkland House
402 Academy, Austin, TXThe finest subdivision south of the Colorado River, Fairview Park, was planned by Charles A. Newning, William H. Stacy, and George P. Warner. The area featured meandering roads, rustic bridges, and home-sites on prominent points overlooking the city and surrounding country-side. Each of the promoters built homes for themselves in the addition and two of those homes remain today.
After purchasing several new subdivision lots Myron D. Mather began building his two story house in 1889 and completed the structure a year later. Mather had been a furniture dealer and served as president of the Austin Water, Light, and Power Company.
There was a succession of owners in the house from 1893 until 1920. Among the more prominent was Leroy G. Denman, who bought the house in 1897 while serving as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1898 the home was again sold and E. A. Franklin, vice-president of the Chicago Manufacturing Company bought the house.
For nine years during the early 20th century the Austin Military School occupied the house. Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Darsey bought the one acre property in 1920 and secured lease of an adjacent one and one-half acres for athletic fields and possible building expansion. Touted as Austin's only educational facility where courses were offered in military tactics, the curriculum also included courses in commerce, radiophone works, music, nature, as well as the fundamentals of academic training.
Following the closing of the military school in 1929 a lawyer. Dr. Joseph V, Fleming acquired the house. He and his wife Keziah and four grown children kept the home from 1931 until 1941. For a short period the house was empty, but in 1945 Dr. R. D, Kirkland, an osteopath, bought the home and used it as his office and residence for almost 30 years. The home was again vacated in the early 1970's and is currently for sale.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
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.