Townsend-West House
Columbus, Colorado County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Eastlake style embellishments make this a Victorian jewel. It was built in 1890 by contractor Jacob Wirtz for Marcus H. and Annie (Burford) Townsend. A State Representative (1883-85) and Senator (1889-93), Townsend sponsored bill for state purchase of the Alamo; he also named a county for his law partner, Major Robert Foard.Bought 1906 by Thurmond Bowers and Erma (Zumwalt) West, house is occupied and preserved by their son, Thurmond Baltzar West.Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1973
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1890, this Eastlake-trimmed Victorian was the home of Marcus H. Townsend, a Texas state representative and senator. Among his legislative acts, Townsend sponsored the bill by which the state purchased the Alamo, and he named a county for his law partner. The house has remained a cherished family home across generations.
Why it matters
It links an ordinary Columbus street to one of Texas's defining acts of historical preservation—the rescue of the Alamo as a public shrine.
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Related people
- · Marcus H. Townsend
- · Thurmond Baltzar West
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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