Llano in Llano County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Badu House
Photographed by James Hulse, December 29, 2023
1. Badu House Marker
Built in 1891 during the city's iron production boom days, this structure originally housed the First National Bank of Llano. In 1898 it was purchased by French native N.J. "Professor" Badu, a noted local mineralogist, for use as a residence. Designed by the Austin firm of Larramour and Watson, it features Renaissance Revival detailing and a distinctive band of native granite in a checkerboard pattern. Badu's descendants lived here for many years.
the National Register
of Historic Places
1980
Erected 1981 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9433.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 30° 45.394′ N, 98° 40.561′ W. Marker is in Llano, Texas, in Llano County. It is at the intersection of Bessemer Avenue and Bessemer Avenue (State Highway 16), on the right when traveling west on Bessemer Avenue. The marker is located on the south entrance to the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 601 Bessemer Ave, Llano TX 78643, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Hill Country. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Badu House (a few steps from this marker); Cassaday Grey Granite Company Office Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Llano Branch (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Former Site of Bruhl's Drugstore
this page online
More about this marker. There is a duplicate marker on the east entrance of the building facing Bessemer Street.
Photographed by James Hulse, December 29, 2023
2. The Badu House and Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, December 29, 2023
3. The view of the Badu House and Marker from Tarrant Street
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 257 times since then and 65 times this year. Last updated on August 8, 2026, by Joe Lotz of Flower Mound, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 1, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
