National Register Listing

Ramsey, F. T. and Belle, House

4412 Ave. B, Austin, TX
A frame 2-story L-plan dwelling. The F.T. and Belle Ramsey House is one of a handful of imposing Victorian-era residences completed in Hyde Park before 1900. Dating to the earliest period of development in Hyde Park, The Ramsey House is the only large Victorian-era dwelling adjacent to West 45th Street, an area that generally developed after World War I. The house is also the sole link to the extensive Ramsey Nursery grounds that defined the early 20th century character of the area north of 45th Street. The Ramsey House's size and rich architectural detailing testify to the rewards of the horticultural efforts of one of Texas' best-known nurserymen. As the architecturally significant residence of F.T. Ramsey, considered by historian Samuel Wood Geiser to have been one of the most Texas' most prominent horticulturalists, it is being nominated under Criteria B and C.

Frank Taylor Ramsey was born June 15, 1861, to Alexander Murray Ramsey. The family moved in 1858 from Jackson, Mississippi, to Mahomet in Burnet County where the elder Ramsey established the Lone Star Nursery. In 1894 they relocated to Austin, opening the A.M. Ramsey & Son nursery on 300 acres north of 45th Street and west of Avenue B (Pecan Press. September 1980:2).

On February 12, 1894, F.T. Ramsey purchased lots 29-32 in Block 8 of the Hyde Park Addition from the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Land and Town Company for $525.00 (DR 120:318). He and his wife. Belle (Sinclair) Ramsey, are believed to have constructed the house at 4412 Avenue B shortly thereafter.

Upon his father's death in 1895, F.T. became the owner and manager of the nursery. By 1929 he was recognized as "the most widely known nurseryman of the Lone Star State" (Davis and Grobe 1929:2720-21) and as "one of the most active and effective Texas horticulturalists" (Geiser 1945:71-73). He and his nursery are credited with developing dozens of varieties of peaches and plums and numerous apples, nectarines, pecans, dewberries, blackberries, persimmons, mulberries, figs, and apricots, an accomplishment which won him the moniker "Fruit Tree" Ramsey (Pecan Press. September 1980:2) .

On December 28, 1932, Ramsey died and left the house to his children, who subsequently sold it to Riley M. and Lillian Mae Meeker on June 5, 1944 (Probate File No. 7826; DR 735:593). The Meekers made repairs and improvements to the house in 1944 and 1950 (DR 674:517: 1057:305), selling it in 1958 to the present owners, F.B. and Bertie Bell Sturdivant (DR 1958:238).
Local significance of the building:
Agriculture; 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.

agriculture architecture houses residential buildings
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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.