Neill-Cochran House Museum, Austin

The Neill-Cochran House Museum in Austin stands out for its historical importance and architectural elegance. Built in 1855 by the famous builder Abner Cook, this two-story house in Greek Revival style is a prime example of Cook's skilled work, evident in its impressive Doric columns and the distinctive "sheaf of wheat" balusters.

Over time, the house had various roles. It was rented to notable figures like Lt. Governor Fletcher Stockdale and possibly Andrew J. Hamilton, a former Provisional Governor. After the Civil War, it served as a hospital for Federal troops. General George Armstrong Custer likely visited during his time in Austin for Reconstruction. In 1876, Colonel Andrew Neill, a Confederate veteran, bought the house. After his death, his wife Jennie Chapman Neill lived there and later rented it to Judge Thomas Beauford Cochran in 1893. Cochran eventually purchased and made significant updates to the house in 1895.

In 1958, the house entered a new phase when The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in The State of Texas acquired it, turning it into a historic house museum. Preservationists maintain the home's interior, showcasing furnishings and unique objects from the 1850s with their stories. The museum's permanent collections transport visitors to Austin's early days, featuring a 19th-century French parlor, dining room, and three preserved bedrooms. The property's front pecan tree, dating back to 1889, is almost as old, standing at nearly 150 years.

The museum regularly features rotating exhibits throughout the year. These unique displays offer a distinctive perspective on Austin, showcasing art, photographs, interior collections, craftworks, and more. Today, the Neill-Cochran House Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a recognized landmark by the Texas Historical Commission, offering a glimpse into Austin's rich history.