HistoricSiteMarkers
Reconstruction & Gilded Age

Klattenhoff House

Hutto, Williamson County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Klattenhoff House German native William Klattenhoff (1855-1928) immigrated to Texas in 1872 at age 17. His work on the International and Great Northern Railroad brought him to Hutto, where he purchased land in 1876. Upon his marriage to Alvina Plattow (1860-1958) in 1878, he built their first house on this property. The Klattenhoffs purchased more land here and in Tom Green County, where in 1905 they helped establish a school that later became the Klattenhoff Community Center. William's success as a farmer, rancher and businessman led to the construction of a second home in 1896. The homestead, which remained in the Klattenhoff family at the turn of the 21st century, is a reminder of German settlement patterns. (2002)

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

German-born William Klattenhoff immigrated to Texas in 1872 at seventeen, and work on the International and Great Northern Railroad brought him to Hutto, where he bought land in 1876. After marrying Alvina Plattow he built a first home, then a grander second house in 1896 as his success as farmer, rancher, and businessman grew. The homestead stayed in the family into the 21st century, a marker of German settlement in the region.

Why it matters

Klattenhoff's rise from immigrant railroad laborer to prosperous landowner typifies the German settlers whose farms and communities shaped central Texas.

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Related people

  • · William Klattenhoff
  • · Alvina Plattow

Themes & tags

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