History
The Neill-Cochran House Museum has a fascinating 156-year history. The house was originally commissioned by a young couple as a suburban estate on 17.5 acres of land. Abner Cook, Texas' most renowned Master Builder in his day, built the house in a classical Greek Revival Style. Classic Doric columns characteristic of the Greek Revival convey a sense of urban sophistication on the porch of the 1855 Neill-Cochran House Museum, and the theme continues indoors with symmetrical rooms surrounding a central hallway. The house has been variously used as a home for the Texas Asylum for the Blind, as the residence of Lieutenant Governor Fletcher Stockdale, as a Federal hospital under the command of General George Armstrong Custer, and later, as a residence for two prominent Austin families, the Neills and the Cochrans. In 1958, the House was purchased by the National Society of the Colonial Dames in the State of Texas, and they preserve and maintain the house as a museum and a rental venue.
Specialties
About: The Neill-Cochran House is considered to be one of Austin's three most important historic residences. Built by Master Builder Abner Cook in 1855 as a suburban estate, this impressive Greek Revival house has survived war, neglect, and the immense growth of the University of Texas area and the capital city. Venue Rental: The Neill-Cochran House Museum provides an intimate, historic setting for events ranging from business meetings, luncheons and conferences to weddings, rehearsal dinners, and teas. Visitor Information: Today, the NCHM is owned by the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of Texas and is open to the public for guided tours from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday, or by appointment.