McCauley, Robert H. and Edith Ethel, House
4415 Ave. A, Austin, TXOn April 4, 1910, the lots at 4415 Avenue A were sold for $850 to F.T. Ramsey, a prominent nurseryman and owner of adjoining lots in Block 8 of the original Hyde Park Addition. Ramsey held the property until 1927, when he and other family members transferred ownership of numerous tracts in Hyde Park and the Hyde Park Annex to a corporation called Ramsey's Austin Nursery. After Ramsey's death in 1932, the Nursery Corporation conveyed these properties to the Capital National Bank of Austin on March 15, 1935 (DR 240:74; 413:51; 520:177; Probate File No. 7826).
Edith Ethel McCauley, wife of contractor Robert H. McCauley, purchased lots 1-2 and the north half of lot 3, Block 8, Hyde Park Addition for $425.00 on August 26, 1936 (DR 544:110). Two months later, the McCauleys contracted with Kenneth N. Sanders for the construction of "a l-story brick veneer residence and garage. . ." in consideration of $3,500 (DR 547:97). It is not known if Sanders was working at the time as an independent designer and builder, but in the years immediately after construction of the McCauley House, he worked as a draftsman for Becker Lumber Company and Calcasieu Lumber Company (Austin City Directories 1937-1939). Records indicate that he subsequently transferred a mechanic's lien on the McCauley House to the Becker Lumber Company (DR 540:515), suggesting that he, like some other Hyde Park contractors (see 3811 Speedway), worked for a lumberyard while designing and building some residences as an independent contractor.
Subsequent to R. H. McCauley's death in 1940 (Probate File No. 9715), his widow sold the property to Dr. A.H. Neighbors on August 24, 1946 (DR 823:474). Later owners included O.D. Denson (1950), L.E. and Ollie V. Hagood (1950-1952) and Willard and Lena E. Thomas and their heirs (1952-c.1974).
Constructed towards the end of the period of greatest building activity in Hyde Park, the McCauley house is representative of the design traditions of the Tudor Revival seen more frequently in the Shadow Lawn Addition. As a fine example of residential architecture in Hyde Park, the house testifies to the high level of craftsmanship of builders who worked in the 1920s and 1930s for businesses such as the Becker Lumber Company. Fine brickwork is evident in the stepped arches of the front entrance and provide visual richness through inset panels on the chimney and soldier courses at the eaves. All demonstrate a refined aesthetic sensibility that distinguish the McCauley House as a fine example of Tudor Revival architecture in Hyde Park.
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 Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
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.