Columbus in Colorado County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Townsend-West House

Photographed By Jim Evans, September 1, 2014

1. Townsend-West House Marker

Inscription.

Eastlake style embellishments make this a Victorian jewel. It was built in 1890 by contractor Jacob Wirtz for Marcus H. and Annie (Burford) Townsend. A State Representative (1883-85) and Senator (1889-93), Townsend sponsored bill for state purchase of the Alamo; he also named a county for his law partner, Major Robert Foard. Bought 1906 by Thurmond Bowers and Erma (Zumwalt) West, house is occupied and preserved by their son, Thurmond Baltzar West.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1973

Erected 1973 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 5543.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 29° 42.327′ N, 96° 32.572′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Texas, in Colorado County. Marker is at the intersection of Spring Street and Live Oak Street, on the right when traveling west on Spring Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus TX 78934, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of Railway Hospital (a few steps from this marker); Bartels-Wirtz House (within shouting distance of this marker); City of Columbus (within shouting distance of this marker); Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration of the American Declaration of Independence

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(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Abram Alley and Texas' Struggle for Independence (about 400 feet away); Site of Columbus Female Seminary (about 400 feet away); Texas and the Struggle for Independence (about 400 feet away); Abram Alley Log Cabin (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Townsend-West House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jim Evans, September 1, 2014

2. Townsend-West House and Marker

The view of the Townsend-West House and Marker from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, March 27, 2024

3. The view of the Townsend-West House and Marker from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 529 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2022, by Joe Lotz of Denton, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on September 6, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 2. submitted on July 1, 2020, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 3. submitted on April 1, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.