In the heart of Founder’s Park in Dripping Springs, Texas, lies a historical gem – The Pound Museum, a testament to the enduring spirit of the early settlers of Central Texas. The museum, originally a farmstead built as a log cabin and animal pen with a central “dog trot” breezeway, has been meticulously restored to reflect its appearance during the time of Dr. Joseph M. Pound, its original inhabitant.
We took a guided tour when it was open on a Saturday from 9-12 and our guide, Janice, gave us so much information about the area and interesting stories about the struggle of life in the 1800s. She even showed us a glass jar with teeth that Dr. Pound pulled from one of his patients! The tour lasted an hour and the kids learned a lot and were able to touch and experience so much on this tour!
Here is a brief history of the Pound family and their homestead…
Dr. Pound, a Kentucky native, first came to Texas in 1847 to fight in the war against Mexico. After completing his medical education, he returned to Texas with his wife, Sarah, and in 1854-55, they built their home in what is now known as Dripping Springs. The Pounds had nine children, seven of whom lived to adulthood and were raised in this home. Remarkably, the family never modernized the home, with the last living descendant in the 1980s still using an outhouse and outdoor bathing facilities. Electricity was only added in 1947.
The Pounds were a founding family of Dripping Springs and played a significant role in the community. Their home served multiple purposes – a medical office and hospital, church sanctuary, schoolhouse, and social gathering place. Dr. Pound was also known for his sustainable living practices, including a built-in rainwater collection cistern with charcoal filter and an in-ground hot house for his medicinal herbs and vegetable seedlings.
Today, the Pound Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a Central Texas Pioneer. The beautifully renovated barn, smokehouse, windmill, and garden areas provide a living depiction of early life in the Texas Hill Country.
The peaceful gardens and grounds also feature an oak tree over 500 years old, known as “The Heritage Oak”, and antique roses that Sarah brought from her native Mississippi in 1853.
The Pound House has been a Texas State Historical Landmark since 1965 and is included on the National Register of Historic Places. It has served as a museum since 2003, providing historical education and serving as a gathering place for the community.
Visit the Pound Museum in Dripping Springs, Texas, and step back in time to experience the rich history and enduring legacy of the family that started this quaint town!
Want to visit the Pound House Museum? Check out their website for updated hours and tours!
Do you love history? Check out this photo tour of downtown Mercer Street in Dripping Springs!
Are you wanting to move to Dripping Springs or sell your home here? One of the founding members of the town in the 1800s was a local Realtor and so am I! I can help you buy or sell homes all over the Dripping Springs and Austin area! Just give me a call to get started! 512-569-8480 or laurenclark@magnoliarealty.com
Check out my Dripping Springs Guide HERE.
Click HERE to view current homes on the market.
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