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The Cottonland Castle

Waco, McLennan County

Marker Text

Stone contractor John Tennant began this house in 1890, when Waco's cotton-based economy flourished. In 1906 Tennant sold the structure to Ripley Hanrick, a cotton broker, but it remained unfinished. With plans drawn by architect Roy Lane (1884-1956), "The Castle" was eventually completed in 1913 as a residence for businessman Alfred Abeel (1845-1922). Limestone detailing decorates the sandstone edifice. Fine materials such as marble and mahogany embellish the interior. The house later became a focal point for the Castle Heights area. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1977

Marker Details

Address 3300 Austin Ave.
Location Description SE corner Austin Ave. and S. 33rd St.
Marker # 5314
Dedicated 1977
Size, Type 18" x 28"
Code agriculture, general; houses, residential buildings; land surveys, land companies, promotional towns; design and construction
Latitude, Longitude 31.533723, -97.157855

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