What stories could these old stones tell? We are standing at the William M. Owen House Complex Plaque. It marks a site with a rich history in Round Rock. This complex embodies the spirit of early Texas. It stands as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark since 1982.
The William M. Owen House Complex consists of three buildings. These are the Oatts Building the Owen House and a reception hall added in 2021. The two historic buildings showcase 19th-century architectural styles. They echo the designs of other structures in the area.
Let’s start with the oldest part. The Oatts Building dates back to 1851-1853. Thomas C. Oatts built this one-story stone structure. It sits at the corner of Chisholm Trail Road and Manuel Street. Imagine this building bustling with activity. It housed a mercantile store. It also served as the first permanent post office for Round Rock. Thomas C. Oatts was the town’s first postmaster.
Did you know Round Rock wasn’t always called Round Rock? It was once known as Brushy Creek. But there was another Brushy Creek in East Texas. Postmaster Oatts proposed the name Round Rock on August 24 1854. Thus the city of Round Rock was officially established.
Now let’s turn our attention to the Owen House. This two-story home was built around 1870. For many years Dr. William Mitch Owen lived here with his wife Sarah and their seven children. Dr. Owen was a well-known local physician and businessman. Over the years the house had various owners. It briefly operated as the St. Charles Hotel. The building earned a Texas Historical Marker in 1982. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 7 1983.
In May 2020 the Giesen Linssen family purchased the William M. Owen House Complex. They restored the two historic buildings. In 2021 they added a third stone building. This new reception hall features a large open space. It is perfect for special events.
Since 2021 the William M. Owen House Complex has become the home of Santa’s Jingle House. Isabella Linssen founded this Round Rock Christmas tradition in 2015.
The William M. Owen House Complex Plaque reminds us of Round Rock’s past. It celebrates the visionaries who shaped this community. It links us to the stories of Thomas C. Oatts and Dr. William M. Owen. Their legacies live on in these historic buildings.