Family Home of Dr. R. K. Smoot Plaque

“Can you believe this house stood here since 1877?” I ask. This is the Family Home of Dr. R. K. Smoot. Look at this plaque. It marks a significant piece of Austin history. Reverend Dr. Richmond Kelley Smoot a Presbyterian minister from Kentucky first came to Austin in 1874. He was invited by the Southern Presbyterian Church. He loved the area so much he returned in 1876 to become the church’s new minister. He built his home which he initially called Pecan Place. He even planned to plant Kentucky pecan trees. Unfortunately those didn’t thrive in Texas soil. His wife Sallie suggested a name change. They renamed it Flower Hill. The house was built in 1877 by the Butler Brick Company. Workers used bricks from Barton Springs and Zilker Park. They laid the bricks while they were still soft. That’s why you can see the workers’ handprints on the house today. Isn’t that amazing? Flower Hill wasn’t just a home. It was a hub of activity. Dr Smoot’s son Lawrence was a Texas Supreme Court reporter for 66 years. His library is still in the house. Famous author O Henry was a family friend. He even carved illustrations for their mail order catalog. Amazing isn’t it? Even Amelia Worthington Williams a future foremost Alamo scholar lived here while getting her doctorate. The Smoot family were influential figures in Austin. They’ve left an incredible legacy. This Family Home of Dr. R. K. Smoot Plaque is a testament to that legacy. Their contributions to Austin are truly remarkable. This plaque is more than just a marker. It’s a portal to the past. It invites us to remember the people who shaped this city. Remember Flower Hill. Remember the Smoot family. Their story is a crucial part of Austin’s rich history.