Crocheron–McDowall House facts for kids
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Crocheron–McDowall House
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Crocheron–McDowall House in 2006
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 Crocheron–McDowall House
Location in Texas
Crocheron–McDowall House
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1502 Wilson St., Bastrop, Texas |
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| Area | 1.3 acres (0.53 ha) |
| Built | 1857 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| MPS | Bastrop Historic and Architectural MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 78003357 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 20, 1978 |
The Crocheron–McDowall House is a beautiful old home in Bastrop, Texas. It was built in 1857 and shows off the Greek Revival architecture style. This style was popular in the 1800s and looks a bit like ancient Greek temples. For many years, this house was a very important place for social gatherings and learning in Bastrop. It is recognized as a special historic site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and named a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1996.
Contents
Building a Grand Home in Bastrop
The Crocheron–McDowall House was built in 1857. It was designed for a successful merchant named Henry Crocheron. He wanted a home that showed his wealth and importance.
Henry Crocheron's Story
Henry Crocheron moved to Bastrop in 1837. He quickly became a very successful businessman. He opened several stores in the town. He also helped start the Bastrop Steam Mill. This was Bastrop's first big industrial business. Crocheron also served as the county treasurer from 1851 to 1853.
As he became very wealthy, Crocheron decided to build a grand house. He wanted it to show how successful he was. He used only the best materials for his new home. The windows and the beautiful hand-carved banister were made in New York. They were then shipped all the way to Galveston, Texas. From there, they traveled by train and wagon to Bastrop.
The McDowall Family Moves In
Soon after the house was finished, the American Civil War began. During the war, Henry Crocheron's niece, Mary Ann Nicholson, came to live in the house.
In 1864, Mary Ann traveled with her uncle on a business trip. They went to Matamoros, Tamaulipas. There, she met William McDowall. Four years later, Mary Ann and William got married. They eventually moved to London. Sadly, William McDowall died the next year. He had gotten yellow fever while in Central America.
In 1869, Mary Ann and her three-month-old daughter, Ruth, returned to Bastrop. They moved back into the Crocheron house to live with Henry. When Henry Crocheron passed away in 1874, Mary Ann McDowall inherited the house.
A Center for Community Life
Mary McDowall soon started teaching music. Because of her, the house became a busy place. It was known as a center for social events and learning in Bastrop. Many parties, lectures, and concerts were held there.
In 1897, Mary's daughter, Ruth McDowall, died. After this, Mary McDowall moved to Houston. She went to live with her sister there. The Crocheron–McDowall House was sold after Mary died in 1933.
Since the 1930s, many different families have owned this historic home.
