If you’re from Austin, chances are you know the story of how Stephen F. Austin laid out the city’s original grid plan and founded the Old New World capital of Texas at the end of 1834. So what about Neill-Cochran House Museum? The home in which Stephen Austin was killed on September 3, 1793 has been a fascinating historical destination for most locals for well over 200 years now. The Neill-Cochran House museum is one of many fascinating homes that make up the well-preserved historic district known as West Hill. The area features a number of exceptional residences dating back to the 1930s, all built with natural stone, wood and brick materials. The Neill-Cochran House is an impressive example of the Federal period architectural style and showcases various examples of fine interior design including beautiful woodwork, plasterwork ceilings, hand-painted wallpapers and lavish chandeliers. It’s definitely worth a visit if you have time to explore some other homes in West Hill or just want to get an insider view into Austin history. This museum is located at 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705.
What to See at the Neill-Cochran House Museum
The Neill-Cochran House museum is named after Stephen F. Austin’s two companions in Texas: William and Elizabeth Neill. The Neills arrived in Texas in 1793 as well and were among the first settlers on the West Hill area. They were among four founding families of Austin Terra Firma, the community Stephen Austin founded in the 18th century. The Neill-Cochran House museum is the birthplace of Austin, Texas. The Neill-Cochran House is an impressive structure that’s well-preserved, a fact that might surprise visitors who have merely heard of the city’s other historic homes. The Neill-Cochran House was built in 1835 and is the oldest existing home in West Hill. It’s also one of the few original homes in Austin to have survived the devastating Great Austin Fire of 1881. While the Neill-Cochran House museum is a fantastic place to visit, it’s not the only historic home in West Hill. The historic district features a wide assortment of architectural styles and homes that are, naturally, of considerable historical interest as well. You can visit the Sam Mills House, which was the home of Sam Mills, the first person to discover natural gas in Texas; the Wilkerson-Bagg House, which was home to General Ranald Mackenzie Wilkerson and his wife, one of Austin’s most prominent early families; and the Austin Country Club House, which was designed by Robert Adam in 1859 and is widely regarded as one of the country club’s finest structures.
What You’ll Find at Neill-Cochran House Museum
The Neill-Cochran House museum is home to a wide array of historical artifacts and other notable items that are sure to interest visitors of all ages. The museum includes the Stephen F. Austin Papers, which include documents and general memorabilia that depict Austin’s life and career; the W.T. Whitaker Collection, which displays a wide range of Whitaker family documents, prints, books and other items; and the Austin Museum, which features a vast assortment of historical artifacts, including documents, photos, models and more. Visitors can also tour the Neill-Cochran House garden, where they can admire the original 18th century plants found on the grounds of the home where Stephen F. Austin once lived.
Why is the Neill-Cochran House important?
The Neill-Cochran House museum is an exceptional example of early 19th century Federal-style architecture, which is regarded as one of the most important architectural styles in the nation. The Neill-Cochran House also exhibits a wide range of fine interior design including beautiful woodwork, plasterwork ceilings, hand-painted wallpapers and lavish chandeliers. The Neill-Cochran House is a significant historic landmark that’s been in continuous existence since 1835. It was the birthplace of Stephen F. Austin and was one of the first homes to be destroyed during the 1881 Great Austin Fire. Finally, the Neill-Cochran House is a fascinating historical site that’s well worth visiting by visitors from all over the world. Here you go
Getting to the Neill-Cochran House Museum
The Neill-Cochran House museum is situated just a short distance from the William Sidney Mount College of William Sidney Mount Memorial College, a public university that offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in a number of fields. In order to get to the Neill-Cochran House museum, you can either walk or take a taxi or Uber. Walking is a wonderful way to get a feel for West Hill and its historic homes, and it’s certainly more economical than taking a taxi or Uber. You can also take the city’s free Downtown Austin Trolley, which provides easy access to a number of different attractions in central Austin.
Final Words
The Neill-Cochran House museum is an exceptional example of early 19th century Federal-style architecture, one of the most important architectural styles in the nation. The museum is also home to a wide array of historical artifacts and other notable items, including the Stephen F. Austin Papers, which depict Austin’s life and career. Finally, the Neill-Cochran House is a fascinating historical site that’s well worth visiting by visitors from all over the world. If you’d like to spend some time exploring some other historic homes in Austin, you can’t go wrong with visiting the Sam Mills House, the Wilkerson-Bagg House, the Austin Country Club House, the Texas State Cemetery and the Samuel Look House.