Cavitt House
Bryan, Brazos County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Attorney William R. Cavitt (1849-1924) purchased a city block here in 1875, the year he married Mary Mitchell. Cavitt became Brazos County Attorney in 1878 and about 1880 he and Mary built a brick Italianate residence here. Cavitt later served as a State Legislator and on the Board of Texas A&M University. The Cavitts modified the house in the 1920s to reflect contemporary Colonial Revival influences. The house remained in the Cavitt family until 1978. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1995
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Attorney William R. Cavitt bought this city block in 1875, the year he married Mary Mitchell, and around 1880 the couple built a brick Italianate residence here. Cavitt served as Brazos County Attorney, later as a state legislator, and on the board of Texas A&M University. The Cavitts remodeled the home in the 1920s in the Colonial Revival style, and it stayed in the family until 1978.
Why it matters
The house reflects the rise of a prosperous professional class in Gilded Age Texas and the civic leaders who helped shape institutions like Texas A&M.
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Related people
- Β· William R. Cavitt
- Β· Mary Mitchell Cavitt
Themes & tags
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