Round Rock's slice of Texan history just got more accessible. The Chamber of Commerce offices at 900 Heritage Center Circle now host a portable history display dedicated to the Washington Anderson House, as confirmed by the City of Round Rock's announcement. Built in 1859, the Anderson House stands as a witness to pioneering times, its builder, Washington Anderson, having earned land grants for his service in the Texas Revolution.
Chronicling the life of a man who was both a revolutionary participant and a foundational figure in Williamson County's commercial and educational frameworks, the exhibit does not only salute him. Walking through the Chamber of Commerce offices now is a walk along the timeline of Round Rock itself, from its nascent stages as a New Town to becoming a hub of local history and culture. Delving into the archives, the Preservation Office crafted a comprehensive booklet on the stately home, giving context to the images and artifacts highlighting a robust legacy.
For history buffs looking to sink their teeth into a meatier account of the Anderson legacy, a trove of literature is available. Works by Karen R. Thompson and Jane DiGesualdo offer insights into the man whose work bolstered the foundations of the region's first college, and Linda Scarbrough's book, "Land of Good Water," paints a broader stroke on Williamson County’s history. Delving deeper, The Handbook of Texas Online and The Story of Texas Online provide digital access to those eager to explore from the comfort of their computer screens.
Drawing interest from more than just native Texans, the display stands as a link between past and present, adorned with images from a host of sources, including a portrait of Anderson himself, courtesy of The Williamson Museum in Georgetown. The exhibit, rooted in deep archival research, includes photos from the Historic American Buildings Survey and an original 1880 Texas Land Survey map overlaid on a modern base map by Esri for a visual reminder of the home's lasting presence in Round Rock's fabric.
The city's Planning and Development Services Department is responsible for launching this educational endeavor, promising a series of portable displays that will celebrate themes in Round Rock's history. As the Washington Anderson House takes center stage in this recent initiative, it ignites the imagination and brings into sharp relief the past events that shaped this Texan community.
