P. O. Elzner House
Bastrop, Bastrop County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A native of Germany who came to Bastrop in 1858, P. O. Elzner (1848-1918) erected this Victorian house after purchasing the property in 1878. The site overlooked the Colorado River docks where merchandise for Elzner's store was delivered. The residence, of Bastrop pine with Eastlake detailing on the curved porch, was enlarged by Elzner's son, Bruno A. Elzner (1879-1957). Occupied by the Elzner family for three generations, it was deeded in 1968 to Mr. and Mrs. H. E. DuBois. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1976
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
P. O. Elzner emigrated from Germany and settled in Bastrop in 1858, and by 1878 had built this Victorian house of local Bastrop pine, complete with Eastlake detailing on its curved porch. The site looked down on the Colorado River docks where goods for Elzner's store came ashore, tying the home to the town's river commerce. His son Bruno enlarged it, and three generations of Elzners lived there before it passed to new owners in 1968.
Why it matters
Elzner's home reflects the German immigrants who became merchants and craftsmen across nineteenth-century Texas, leaving a distinctive architectural and cultural imprint on towns like Bastrop.
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Related people
- Β· P. O. Elzner
- Β· Bruno A. Elzner
Themes & tags
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