Visit Austin’s historical places is an incredible way to gain more insight into Texas’ rich past. From President Dwight Eisenhower’s birthplace and home of one of his Alamo defenders to other unique attractions that span its long and winding road to independence, Austin offers many captivating points of interest worth visiting.
The Neill-Cochran House Museum is an incredible example of historic architecture that pays homage to days gone by. Tours are available each week.
The Neill-Cochran House Museum
The Neill-Cochran House Museum stands as a hallmark of Austin history. Constructed as a suburban estate in 1855, this landmark served as a hospital during the American Civil War before becoming part of Austin’s development and eventually transforming into a museum that tells both its past and future story.
Abner Cook designed and built the Neill-Cochran House, boasting stunning Greek Revival architecture, antique furnishings, and exhibits on local history. Additionally, the property served as a school for blind students as well as home to two notable Texas families.
Behind the house lies a slave quarter, long since forgotten. The NCHM is currently working on a program to bring this history-rich part of their property back into public view – this will include virtual tours, exhibits and tours of the house itself.
The Texas Governor’s Mansion
Since 1856, this historic home has served as the official residence of Texas Governors and their families since being designated an official Governor’s House in 1856. It currently occupies fourth position for longstanding occupancy of Governor’s houses nationwide – and remains as the oldest west of Mississippi.
The Texas Governor’s Mansion offers tours open to the public, and provides an intimate insight into Austin’s rich culture and history. No matter your interest or architectural specialty, taking this tour is sure to impress!
In 1840s Texas, the legislature appropriated $14,500 to build an appropriate residence for its governor, Elisha Marshall Pease. They decided on Austin master builder Abner Cook who used popular Greek Revival style of architecture adapted for frontier. Elisha moved his family into their new home on June 28, 1856.
The John Bremond House
This impressive Victorian home in Austin’s Historic District lies along Guadalupe Street between San Antonio Street and 7th Streets and features an attractive wraparound porch and balcony, Second Empire crested mansard roof, decorative cast-iron work, and decorative cast iron work. Built by master builder George Fiegel in 1886 and recognized for its late Victorian exuberance.
In Austin’s late 19th-century social and mercantile circles, Eugene Bremond and John Robinson families were prominent. Three Bremond children married three Robinson children, creating strong business ties between the families. Eugene ran an extremely profitable mercantile store while John created State Bank of Texas.
Both men were active members of their communities and members of their local fire company. When attending fires, they always made it a point to purchase uniforms of superior quality; and were often met by catcalls and rocks being hurled from poorer neighbors at each incident scene.
The Starr Hill Cemetery
Starr Hill Cemetery is home to many notable individuals and is most renowned for the Belasco family mausoleum built in 1913 as a tribute to Augusta Belasco, who passed away at just 22. After her burial, Augusta’s interment was marked with a lamp burning day and night at her gravesite.
Within walking distance of the mausoleum is the CHETWOOD plot, marked with a low sandstone marker reading “WILLIAM BLOOMFIELD SAYRE.” Additionally, gravestones from JOHN CHETWOOD who was both Congressman and president of Delaware Lackawanna and Western Railroad can also be found there. Also be sure to visit CHILDREN’S SECTION; here small single graves were more prevalent before inoculations was available – an area well preserved that represents its late 19th – early 20th century character.
The Texas State Cemetery
Established in 1851, the Texas State Cemetery comprises eighteen acres and contains many of the state’s most influential figures including Stephen F. Austin – considered the “Father of Texas”, who helped settle this area of the State Cemetery. Furthermore, nine governors are interred here.
Who may be interred at this cemetery is strictly controlled, with former politicians and public servants as well as family members of those who served allowed to be interred here. There are also monuments such as the Black Legislators Memorial that honors fifty-two men who served in the legislature or Texas Constitutional Convention during Reconstruction that honors these members of society.
Notable figures buried here include Emma Barrientos, who inspired the creation of the Mexican American Center. Additionally, an old caretaker’s cottage from late 1800s built with traditional Texas vernacular styles has been preserved; new windows provide a nod to its past with historically accurate reproductions installed as commemoratives.
