Barker House
Round Rock, Williamson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
E. B. and Mary Harvey Barker bought this house of locally quarried limestone in May 1873. The Barkers, who resided on a farm at Rice's Crossing (20 mi. E), lived here during the winter season so that their eight children could attend school in Round Rock. Their son, Dudley, became a noted Texas Ranger; he returned to the house in 1940 to etch his birth date on an interior wall. As an intact example of a vernacular center-passage house, the dwelling is a vivid reminder of pioneer architecture. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1998
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
E. B. and Mary Harvey Barker bought this house of locally quarried limestone in 1873. Though the family farmed at Rice's Crossing some twenty miles east, they wintered here so their eight children could attend school in Round Rock. Their son Dudley grew up to become a noted Texas Ranger, returning in 1940 to etch his birth date into an interior wall. The dwelling survives as an intact example of a vernacular center-passage house.
Why it matters
The Barker House is a vivid reminder of pioneer family life and the lengths frontier Texans went to secure an education for their children.
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Related people
- · E. B. Barker
- · Mary Harvey Barker
- · Dudley Barker
Themes & tags
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