The Menn House
Round Top, Fayette County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built near Winedale (4.5 Miles NE), probably by landowner Samuel K. Lewis (1807-67), ex-congressman, Texas Republic. Occupied 1860s by William and Carolina Menn and their 12 children, bought 1880 by Menn, this was home of their descendants until 1931. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1973
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Standing near Winedale in the German-settled hills of Fayette County, this house was likely built by Samuel K. Lewis, a former congressman of the Republic of Texas. In the 1860s it became home to William and Carolina Menn and their twelve children; the Menn family bought it in 1880 and their descendants lived here until 1931. It was named a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1973.
Why it matters
The home reflects the German immigrant families who settled the Round Top and Winedale country, leaving a distinctive cultural imprint on central Texas that endures today.
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Related people
- ยท Samuel K. Lewis
- ยท William Menn
- ยท Carolina Menn
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Bernard Scherrer
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