McKinney Homestead
a.k.a. McKinney House and Mill Complex District
SW of Austin between TX 71 and U.S. 183, Austin, TXIn the early 1820's, he came to Texas as one of Austin's first three hundred colonists. He continued his trade with Chihuahua, first from the San Antonio area and then from Nacogdoches. It was in that east Texas town that McKinney reportedly married his first wife. In the early 1830's, he had moved to the present Galveston vicinity and had ceased his cross-country trading ventures.
In 1834, McKinney entered a business partnership with Samuel M. Williams, a close friend of Stephen Austin and perhaps the second most important man in Austin's colonization efforts. The firm of McKinney and Williams was successful in shipping, merchandising and land speculation. During the Texas revolt against Mexico, the firm was a primary source of men, money and supplies for the Texas army. Its ships formed a part of the quickly assembled Texas Navy. With the completion of the revolution, McKinney and Williams proved to be the financial underpinnings of the Texas Republic. McKinney later served as senator from Galveston in the First Texas Legislature, and as a representative in the third. He also began to seek payment of the money paid out by him and William^ in the name of the Republic. They never received full reimbursement. Some time between 1850 and 1852, McKinney moved to Travis County and his property on Onion Creek. Here he made his permanent home with his second wife, Anna Gibbs, whom he married in Galveston in 1841. He built his large two-story home, stone fences and the first flour mill in the area with slave labor; by 1860, he was a comparatively wealthy man.
McKinney was ruined by the Civil War and its aftermath. Although too old to take part in the fighting, McKinney supported the C.S.A. as a supply agent under Simeon Hart. Speculation in cotton proved ruinous to McKinney and by 1865, he was hopelessly in debt. He died on October 2, 1873, and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery. His wife continued to live on Onion Creek although she was forced to sell all but her homestead to pay previous debts. She finally sold the home and associated acreage in 1885 having moved in with nearby relatives four years previously. She died in 1896.
Bibliography
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
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 city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
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.