Fowler House (Bastrop, Texas) facts for kids
|
Fowler House
|
|
Fowler House in 2011
|
|
 Fowler House
Location in Texas
Fowler House
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 1404 Wilson St., Bastrop, Texas |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1880 |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| MPS | Bastrop Historic and Architectural MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 78003321 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | December 22, 1978 |
The Fowler House, also known as the Allen-Fowler House, is a historic two-story home in Bastrop, Texas, United States. It was built way back in 1852! This special house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This means it's recognized as an important historical site across the country. In 2008, it also became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, showing its importance to Texas history.
| Top - 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
A Home for Learning
The Fowler House was built in 1852 by Professor William J. Hancock. He came from Aberdeen, Mississippi, to Bastrop. Professor Hancock became the headmaster, or main teacher, at the Bastrop Academy. This school was one of the best in Texas at the time.
The house was not just for Professor Hancock and his family. It also served as a place for students to live. These students were called "boarders" because they boarded, or stayed, at the house while attending the academy.
From School to Military Training
In 1857, the Bastrop Academy changed its name. It became the Bastrop Military Institute. This new institute trained young men. Many of them later served during the American Civil War.
Colonel Robert Thomas Pritchard Allen took over as headmaster. He and his wife, Julia, moved into the house. They continued to let cadets, or military students, board there. A very famous guest often visited the Allens: Sam Houston. He was a hero of the Texas Revolution. Sam Houston's sons attended the Institute, which is why he visited so often.
New Owners and Victorian Style
In 1876, John Preston Fowler and Maud Maynard Fowler bought the property. They added some beautiful new features to the house. They gave it a Victorian look. This included a projecting bay window, which is a window that sticks out from the wall.
John Preston Fowler became a very important person in Bastrop. He served as the mayor of the city. He was also the county attorney, which means he worked as a lawyer for the county. Later, he even became a Texas state senator. This meant he helped make laws for the state.
The House Today
The current owner of the Fowler House is Geoff Connor. He purchased the house in 2006. The house continues to be a historic landmark in Bastrop.
