Rogers-Bell House
1001 E. Eighth St., East Austin, TXThe Rogers-Bell House is a locally Important and distinctive example of a masonry, Eastlake style cottage. It is prominently located adjacent to Austin's oldest standing, wood structure, the French Legation. While Victorian styles are common to the neighborhood, the age, architectural detailing and materials used set the Rogers-Bell House apart from the wood frame houses nearby. The structure was not Included in the initial Historic Resources of East Austin nomination, as unsympathetic but reversible modifications then affected its integrity.
The land upon which the Rogers-Bell House was constructed was owned by the Joseph W. Robertson family who resided next door at the old French Legation. The area was subdivided by the Robertsons, who gave their name to the area, Robertson Hill. According to the records, land on which the Rogers-Bell House sits was purchased for $600.00 in 1891 by Martin E. Rogers who at that time was bridge foreman for the Austin and Northwestern Railroad. In 1893, construction of the structure at 1001 East 8th Street was completed and became home of Rogers and his wife. Addle Loving Rogers. The Rogers occupied the home until Mr. Rogers' death In 1942. During that time, Martin Rogers rose in the ranks of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad and ultimately served as Assistant Roadmaster and Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges.
In 1943, Lewis D. Lyons purchased the home from the estate of Martin E. Rogers for the sum of $4,000.00. L.D. Lyons, one of Austin's most prominent Black citizens and land holders, owned and operated the red brick grocery store at 518 East 6th Street in the present-day Sixth Street Historic District (NR 1975). Mr. Lyons was a lay leader at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church, a trustee at Samuel Huston College, secretary of the Friend in Need Society of Austin, and was known as "the Black Mayor of East Austin." Mr. Lyons was the only Black bondsman in Austin at the time of his death in 1944. Mr. Lyons' widow, Mattle Ruth Lyons, continued to live in the house at 1001 East 8th Street and married Mr. Jerry Bell in 1951. Mr. Bell was employed by Governor Allan Shivers for over thirty years as chauffeur and houseman and was on staff during the years the Shivers family lived in the Texas Governor's Mansion (1949-1957).
After Mr. Bell moved from the Rogers-Bell House in 1984 into a nearby nursing home, the house stood vacant for one year until it was acquired by the present owner, Emily Little.
The restoration of the Rogers-Hill House has significantly enhanced the integrity of the historic neighborhood. Due to its prominent siting and high visibility from the adjacent French Legation, the Rogers-Bell House is an important visual and historical link with East Austin's past. The house is of special interest architecturally due to its unusual brick construction and display of distinctive Victorian stylistic elements.
Bibliography
Travis County Probate Records
Travis County Marriage Records
Austin-Travis County Collection: City Directories and Newspaper files Mrs. Allan Shivers to Betty Little, Interview by telephone, November 14, L987.
"The Historical and Biographical Souvenir and Program of the 25th Anniversary of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, Austin, Texas, 1882-1907", May 6 to 14, 1907, C.W. Abington.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
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 Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
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 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.