Page-Gilbert House
3913 Ave. G, Austin, TXA native of England and immigrant to Texas by way of Missouri, Christopher H. Page came to Austin in the early 1880s to work as a stonemason and contractor on the new State Capitol (City of Austin. Historic Landmark Inventory File C14h-78-040). According to records of the Capitol Building Commission, he eventually was designated the subcontractor in charge of pointers, washers and other laborers working on the installation of stone (Records of the Capitol Building Commission 1887-1888).
Following completion of the Capitol, Page purchased lots 1-2 in Block 37 of the Hyde Park Addition (later resubdivided into lot 28 of the Shadow Lawn Addition), agreeing to erect a brick residence worth a minimum of $2000 (DR 105:397). Page evidently executed the design and brick work himself, hiring Sutor, whose father had been a skilled German cabinetmaker, to supply the woodwork and other items. Page's contract with Sutor specifically called for the construction of sashes, blinds, casings, doors, a stairway, baseboards, moldings, two tile hearths, mantles, bathroom fixtures and furnishings, plumbing fixtures, scullery, sink and fixtures, front and back porches, plumbing for the yard and barn, and barn and outbuildings for a total consideration of $407 (Mechanics' Liens 90:432).
The Pages lived in Hyde Park until 1896 when CH. Page conveyed the property to his son Charles Henry Page, Jr., who was to become a prominent local architect in the 20th century (DR 134:326). CH. Page, Jr. re-conveyed the house to the Texas Loan & Trust Co. of Hays County (DR 133:563), who in turn sold it to G.L. Brinkman. The property continued to change ownership frequently during the late 1890s (DR 138:277; 141:182) until its acquisition in 1898 by Mrs. Clara Border. She lived in the house until 1933, whereupon it was purchased by John F. Gilbert, a real estate agent and member of the Austin Real Estate Board (Austin American^ September 23, 1948:1; DR 496:152). The house underwent extensive interior remodeling before his family sold the property to current owners Gary P. and Wanda Penn in 1977 (Hyde Park Historic Homes Tour 1980:17; 1984:11). The house was zoned historic by the City of Austin in 1978. Changes to the interior and rear do not intrude on the street-side elevation on Avenue G.
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 first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.