National Register Listing

Missouri, Kansas and Texas Land Co. House

3908 Ave. C, Austin, TX
The house at 3908 Avenue C appears to have been constructed by the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Land Co. about 1909. A good example of vernacular architectural traditions, the house features modest detailing associated with Victorian decorative traditions. While lacking the rich architectural detailing of the nearby Sears House, the MKT Land Co. House testifies to the persistent popularity of the L-plan vernacular form. As it retains a high level of its historic integrity, it is being nominated for its local architectural significance under Criterion C.

Travis County deed records indicate that the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Land and Town Co. owned the property at 3908 Avenue C until September 23, 1909, when two lots improved by a dwelling worth approximately $900 were sold to J.B. Cotton (DR 235:417). This documentary evidence suggests that the MKT Land Co. erected the dwelling as a part of their marketing strategy to promote Hyde Park. Cotton held the property for several months before selling it to H.M. Williams (DR 244:17).

Williams owned a real estate business and worked as a shipping clerk for the nearby nursery run by F.T. Ramsey. On February 4, 1914, he sold 3908 Avenue C to Mrs. Hattie E. O'Donnell (DR 264:356). She occupied the house until her death on November 20, 1921, whereupon her daughter, Annie, received title to the property (Probate File No. 5386). The O'Donnell heirs sold the property in 1930 to Daisy T. Gilbert (DR 459:625), who held it as rental property until 1945 (DR 771:529). Owners of lots 27 through 34 in Block 9 of the Hyde Park Addition No. 2 re-subdivided the eight lots in 1967. 3908 Avenue C was sold to the present owners in 1983 as Lot B of the resubdivision (DR 8318:937).
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

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.

architecture houses residential buildings
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

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.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in 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.