Rountree Rock House
Beeville, Bee County, Texas
Marker Inscription
On land bought 1875 by Joseph Gustave Rountree (1838-80), who planned house before his death. Built 1881 by his young widow, Elizabeth Cornelia, with aid of her father, John Stillwell. The lumber was Florida pine, hauled from Rockport. Stone, quarried as caliche and hardened by the air, came fron nearby Mulas Hills. Structure has withstood major stoms and is still owned by descendants: Adele Rountree, Ann Marie Rountree Anderson and sons. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1971
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Joseph Gustave Rountree bought this Bee County land in 1875 and planned a house he did not live to build. After his death in 1880, his young widow Elizabeth Cornelia raised the home in 1881 with her father's help, using Florida pine hauled from Rockport and local caliche stone hardened by the air. The sturdy structure has weathered major storms and remains in the hands of Rountree descendants.
Why it matters
The rock house is a durable emblem of frontier perseverance and of a widow's determination to see her family's home through to completion.
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Related people
- · Joseph Gustave Rountree
- · Elizabeth Cornelia Rountree
- · John Stillwell
Themes & tags
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