What is it like to live in a house with Austin’s first complete indoor plumbing system? Here at the George W. Sampson Home Plaque, we uncover the story of a man who experienced this luxury firsthand. The George W. Sampson Home Plaque, tucked away on Rio Grande Street, isn’t just a historical marker. It’s a window into the life of a prominent Austin figure. George W. Sampson, a former Confederate Army Captain and successful merchant, built this home with his wife, Mary Goodwin Hall, in 1875. The house, constructed from locally sourced limestone, boasts a fascinating feature – it’s believed to have housed Austin’s first complete indoor plumbing system. Imagine the marvel of running water in a time when such conveniences were rare! The home’s cistern, used to collect rainwater, played a vital role in this innovative system. As you stand before the George W. Sampson Home Plaque, picture the grandeur of the original structure and the addition of the elegant gallery with Corinthian columns in the 1920s. The plaque is a testament to the Sampson family’s legacy and offers a glimpse into Austin’s early days, where luxury met innovation in the heart of Texas.
Addcox House Plaque
But that’s not all that makes Addcox House special. It also has an enchanting wraparound porch with arched brick supports.