National Register Listing

Moore-Hancock Farmstead

a.k.a. Site No. 41 TV 1405

4811 Sinclair Ave., Austin, TX
In continuous use as a residence since its construction about 1849, the Moore-Hancock Farmstead features the only log dwelling in Austin known to survive on its original site. The farmstead served as the rural residence of Austin's first mercantilisr, Martin Moore, and his wife Elizabeth White. After amassing substantial mercantile profits in the Republic of Texas era, Moore retired in 1849 to farmstead his wife's land about four miles from the center of town. Fairly wealthy, the Moores probably hired a professional to build a commodious log house in the vernacular center passage tradition. They engaged in cattle and horse raising as well as subsistence farming on the property. In 1866 Elizabeth White Moore sold the 521-acre homestead tract to John Hancock, a well-known Texas Unionist politician. While Hancock probably never lived in the log house, his nephews James and William Hancock apparently managed their uncle's dairy from the house for most of the subsequent two decades. Although it experienced numerous changes following its sale out of the Hancock family in 1899, the property continued to operate as a dairy until about 1930. Evaluated within the context of Agriculture in Texas, 1820-1950, the property is eligible at the local level of significance for listing under Criterion A in the areas of Agriculture and Exploration/Settlement and Criterion D in the area of Archeology (Historic/Non-Aboriginal).
Local significance of the building:
Agriculture; Exploration/settlement; Historic - Non-aboriginal

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

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.

agriculture exploration settlementT non-aboriginal
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The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
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.