Rogers, Edward H., Homestead
a.k.a. 41 TV 294
N of Austin off TX 1325, Austin, TXEdward H. Rogers married Sallie A. Moss and received a tract from his father from Rogers' grant, which he inherited officially in 1867 at Rogers death. E. H. and Sallie Rogers had a son Edward H., Jr. who died in 1937.*
The house site is located on an abandoned segment of the Bagdad Road opened in the 1840's or 1850's between Austin and Bagdad in Williamson county. This road was a principal road northwest for a considerable time, probably until the 1930's.
The house is in reasonably good condition and is a stone variation of the Texas dog trot cabin, thereby being unique architecturally. The barn is in unusually good condition as are the cisterns. The house is a variation of the two room and hall frontier log cabin common in early Texas having two chimneys. its style is unlike the early Anglo cabins in its construction and enclosed dog trot and considerably different in its plan from the German settlements. (See Alexander, D. B., 1966, Texas Homes of the Nineteenth century.)
The buildings were most probably constructed by Edward H. Rogers at the time of his marriage to Sallie A. Moss in January of 1861 making the structure one of the very few constructed in the Austin area between 1861 and 1865. Rogers and his wife first occupied the house, followed by their son Edward H. Rogers who lived there until his death in 1937. The house appears to have been vacant since that time.
The major significance of the complex lies in its representation of a mid-nineteenth century farm complex. Agriculturally, it is a good example of the many small farmsteads once common in the rural areas around Austin. Most such farms have been destroyed by urban and industrial development or have disappeared; absorbed into large farming or ranching establishments. The significance of the complex in relation to communications is associated with its location on a principal road from Austin to Duval and Bagdad. This road served as a main artery to Burnet and at a later date the Austin and North West and the Illinois and Great Northern Railroad followed the road from Llano to Austin carrying granite for the present state capitol. The farm apparently served as a watering stop for wagons using the road.
Bibliography
Family History on file at the Barker Texas History center, Univ. of Texas.
Brown, Frank, Annals of Travis county and the city of Austin. M.S. on file at Texas State Library, P.27,82.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
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 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.