HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

Magee House

Abilene, Taylor County, Texas

Marker Inscription

One of earliest fine houses in Abilene. Built 1903 in colonial revival style by Dr. Jefferson Davis Magee (1861-1935) and wife, Anna (Wilbanks). A native of Pike County, Mississippi, educated in East Texas and at the Louisville (KY) Medical College, Dr. Magee moved to Abilene (1902), had drugstore and extensive practice. His home was noted for its hospitality. Built on an entire city block, structure was of oak lumber with lofty ionic columns of cypress. Restored 1962-70 and preserved by Mr. and Mrs. John L. Thompson. Recorded Texas Historical Landmark, 1971

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

One of Abilene's earliest fine houses, this Colonial Revival home was built in 1903 by Dr. Jefferson Davis Magee, a Mississippi-born physician trained in Louisville who came to Abilene in 1902 and ran both a drugstore and a busy medical practice. Set on an entire city block and framed by lofty Ionic columns of cypress, the oak-lumber house was known for its hospitality. It was restored between 1962 and 1970 and recorded as a Texas Historical Landmark in 1971.

Why it matters

The Magee House marks the emergence of professional and civic life in a young West Texas railroad city.

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Related people

  • · Dr. Jefferson Davis Magee
  • · Anna Wilbanks Magee

Themes & tags

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