Lampasas in Lampasas County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Phillips and Trosper Buildings
Many of Lampasas' downtown structures, including buildings on this site owned by prominent developer John B. Higdon, were gutted by fire in August 1884. Higdon then sold one lot to David W. Phillips, who served in the state legislature in 1898-1902. Late in 1884, Phillips erected the eastern half of this pair of adjoining structures. Grocers J.M. and A.L. Trosper built the other half, at about the same time. In 1888 the Trospers sold the property to noted civic leaders and druggists, H.N. and J.R. Key. The Key brothers drug store occupied the Trosper building for 16 years.
These buildings are good examples of late 19th century commercial storefront. They feature limestone construction, 4-bay facades, and round-arched transoms above the entry doors. The buildings have housed several businesses, including the Majestic Cafe, Donovan's Cafe, Hoover & Noyes Saloon, the Lampasas "Daily Leader" newspaper, the Bum's Domino Club, the workshop of a noted bootmaker, a bowling alley, grocery store, dance hall, furniture store, meat market, and apartments.
The Trosper and Phillips buildings, important elements of downtown Lampasas, are both listed in the national register of historic places.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1995
Erected 1995 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4010.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1884.
Location. 31° 3.934′ N, 98° 10.744′ W. Marker is in Lampasas, Texas, in Lampasas County. Marker is at the intersection of East 3rd Street and South Western Street, on the right when traveling east on East 3rd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 406 East 3rd Street, Lampasas TX 76550, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Manuel Hardware Building (a few steps from this marker); Reynolds Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Old Opera House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gunfight at the Lampasas Saloon (about 300 feet away); Keystone Hotel, (about 300 feet away); Horrell-Higgins Feud (about 400 feet away); Lampasas County Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away); First State Meeting of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lampasas.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 132 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 24, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 4. submitted on January 30, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas.