George Washington Rogers House

May 16

Built around 1850, the George Washington Rogers House is believed to be the oldest surviving residence in Huntsville still located on its original site. George Washington Rogers, a friend and colleague of Sam Houston, was a prominent land speculator who played a central role in shaping early Huntsville. He subdivided and sold much of the townsite, including the hilltop where Austin College’s Austin Hall was constructed in 1851. Rogers built this imposing two-story Greek Revival home on a nearby hill overlooking downtown Huntsville.

In the 1860s, the house served as the residence of Rufus W. Bailey, then President of Austin College. During the 1870s and 1880s, it was home to Hildreth H. Smith, Principal of the Sam Houston Normal Institute—Austin College’s successor, which later became Sam Houston State University. From the 1930s until 1982, the house was occupied by leading environmental activist and conservationist Don O. Baird and his wife, Gladys.

Since 1982, the home has been owned by Huntsville preservationist George Russell, and more recently by his Ethician Foundation. He has undertaken stabilization efforts, including the reconstruction of the historic portico and chimneys. However, the west chimney was damaged and partially separated from the building as a result of Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

The house retains a significant amount of original material, including a massive brick cistern. With proper restoration, it could become a showplace of early architecture and material culture in Huntsville, once celebrated as the “Athens of Texas.” Preservation Texas is interested in partnering with George and his foundation to ensure that this building can be restored and stewarded for the future.