McKinney Homestead

Amidst the tranquil beauty of McKinney Falls State Park, nestled southwest of Austin, lie the intriguing ruins of the McKinney Homestead. This isn’t just a pile of rocks. It’s a window into the life of Thomas F. McKinney, a pivotal figure in Texas history. McKinney, one of Stephen F. Austin’s original 300 colonists, built this two-story limestone house between 1850 and 1852. Imagine the hustle and bustle as enslaved people quarried limestone from Onion Creek and felled cypress and cedar trees from McKinney’s vast property. These very materials formed the walls, frames, and roof of this grand homestead. The house, approximately twenty by forty feet, boasted three rooms on each floor and a covered porch on both levels. McKinney wasn’t just a builder. He was a key player in the Texas Revolution. His partnership with Samuel May Williams provided crucial funding, men, and supplies for the Texas army. They financed over $150,000, a significant sum in those days, representing over 10% of the revolution’s total cost. McKinney’s influence extended into politics as well. He served as a senator in the first Texas legislature. Here at his homestead, he raised thoroughbred racehorses, even boasting his own private racetrack. Sadly, McKinney died deeply in debt in 1873. His legacy, however, extends far beyond his financial woes. He received an elaborate funeral service on the steps of the Capitol building, a testament to the respect he garnered. After his death, the McKinney Homestead passed through different hands, eventually becoming part of McKinney Falls State Park. Today, as you walk the Homestead Trail, take a moment to absorb the stories these ruins whisper. Imagine the laughter, the hard work, the triumphs and struggles that unfolded within these limestone walls. The McKinney Homestead stands as a silent witness to the rich tapestry of Texas history.