Downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of Edward Mandell House Home
Photographed By Keith Peterson, July 8, 2007
1. Site of Edward Mandell House Home Marker
Edward Mandell House (1858-1938), heir of a wealthy Houston businessman, moved to Austin in 1885 to be at the center of state politics, his primary interest. He managed the successful campaigns of four Texas Governors and became an important figure in Democratic Party circles on the state and national levels. In 1912 he managed Woodrow Wilson’s successful bid for the Democratic Party Presidential nomination. As an advisor to Wilson, he participated in international negotiations during and after World War I.
New York architect Frank Freeman designed an innovative Shingle style home for House on this site in 1890. The rambling structure was raised on a stone foundation and full basement. A broad-roofed first floor gallery wrapped around three sides of the house, above which rested a second floor accented by rounded corners and inset balconies. A third floor existed within the massive roof structure, tying the house together with gabled dormers, turrets, and soaring stone chimneys.
Although House sold the home in 1914, it was the site of many important political meetings during his residence here. Despite efforts to save
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Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986
Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 6456.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #28 Woodrow Wilson series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location. 30° 16.895′ N, 97° 44.791′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Downtown Austin. Marker is at the intersection of West Avenue and West 18th Street, on the right when traveling south on West Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1704 West Avenue, Austin TX 78701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hugh B. Hancock House (a few steps from this marker); J.W. and Cornelia Scarbrough House (within shouting distance of this marker); West Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Denny-Holliday House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jacob Larmour House (about 400 feet away); McLendon-Price House (about 500 feet away); Herblin – Shoe House (about 500 feet away); Goodall Wooten House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Larry D. Moore, December 23, 2020
2. Site of Edward Mandell House Home Marker Area
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 950 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 28, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. 2. submitted on December 24, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
