Boardman-Webb House
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In the 1850s Dr George T. Boardman (d. 1884) came to Austin to practice dentistry. He developed a new process to fill teeth and helped incorporate the American Dental College. He bought this property in 1855 from early Austin merchant John Bremond. The land was part of the original city plat of Austin. Dr Boardman erected the two-story residence with Victorian styling about 1880. After his widow Fannie sold the structure in 1906, it changed owners several times, finally becoming an apartment house. Walter Prescott (1888-1963) and Jame (Oliphant) Webb (1889-1960) purchased the home in 1925. At that time Webb served as a history professor at the University of Texas and remained there for 45 years except for visiting professorships. Dr Webb became internationally known as an author and historian, concentrating on Texas and Southwestern topics. He served as President of the American Historical Association in 1958. Mrs. Webb, a descendant of pioneer Texans and leader in patriotic groups, served as President General of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, 1943-1945. Mrs. Webb’s father, William J. Oliphant, an early Austin photographer, lived in the house. Afrter Mrs. Webb’s death, the home was deeded to her daughter, Mildres (Mrs. William B. Bugg). Recorded Texas Histroic Landmark - 1979
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Dr. George T. Boardman, a dentist who helped incorporate the American Dental College, bought this Austin lot in 1855 and built a Victorian residence around 1880. In 1925 it became home to Walter Prescott Webb, the University of Texas historian who won international fame for his studies of Texas and the American West, and his wife Jane, a leader in the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Webb served 45 years at UT and was president of the American Historical Association in 1958.
Why it matters
The house links early Austin's professional class to Walter Prescott Webb, one of the most influential historians of the American frontier.
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Related people
- · George T. Boardman
- · Walter Prescott Webb
- · Jane Oliphant Webb
Themes & tags
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