HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

Pfeiffer Home

Bastrop, Bastrop County, Texas

Marker Inscription

A native of Bastrop, Joseph R. Pfeiffer (1876 - 1944) erected many homes and buildings in the town. He built this turn-of-the-century residence for his bride Freda (d. 1960) in 1901. Hoping to display his skill as a builder and attract future business, he made the house a showcase of fine materials and craftsmanship. Pfeiffer, who operated a lumber company and mill, later enlarged the dwelling to accommodate his family of six children. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1978

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

A native of Bastrop and a busy local builder, Joseph R. Pfeiffer put up many of the town's homes and buildings around the turn of the twentieth century. In 1901 he built this fine residence for his bride, Freda, deliberately making it a showcase of quality materials and craftsmanship to advertise his skills and win new business. As his family grew to six children, Pfeiffer, who ran a lumber company and mill, enlarged the house to fit them.

Why it matters

The home is a builder's own advertisement, reflecting the small-town lumber and construction trades that shaped the look of turn-of-the-century Texas towns.

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Related people

  • ยท Joseph R. Pfeiffer
  • ยท Freda Pfeiffer

Themes & tags

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