HISTORY OF THE HOUSE

The Neill-Cochran House was built in 1855 for Washington L. Hill who commissioned Abner Cook, Master builder, to design and build it. Cook fashioned a house much like the Governor's Mansion which he also built. Six Doric columns stretch in an unbroken line from the veranda to the roof. Above the double doors hangs a recessed balcony with the delicate"bundle-wheat" design on the balustrades, a distinguishing hallmark of Abner Cook. Many windows of the house retain their original wavy, bubbly glass. The doorways and the windows widen slightly at their bases-- a Greek architectural trick so pleasing to the eye. Both exterior and interior walls are eighteen inches thick. The limestone is secured by mortar mixed with pig's bristles, a method thought to give added strength and flexibility. The floor plan follows the Greek Revival tradition of two rooms forming a double parlor on the right of the hall and to the left two rooms, a French Parlor and a dining room. The second floor repeats the pattern.
A realistic blend of Greek Revival architecture and native Texas materials makes the Neill-Cochran House Museum a truly unique feature of Austin. The house has been judged the third most important structure in the city by the Texas Historical Commission. The National Trust for Historical Preservation called it a " jewel and perfect example of the Texas version of the Greek Revival in the South."
In 1855 when the Neill-Cochran House was originally built, the property included approximately 40 acres: it extended from 24th street on the North, Rio Grande street on the East, to Shoal Creek on the West, adjoining the Pease Estate. At that time, the young wife of Washington L. Hill became afraid to live there alone as her husband was often away surveying. There was an Indian Trail to the West of the property and when the house was under construction, Indians were visible to her. It is said that the Spanish also used the trail. Therefore the first use of the house was in 1856 when it became the original Texas Institute for the Blind.
The house has had a long and colorful history. As a young man, Robert E. Lee and his troops camped in the area as he traveled from Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. In 1865, General George Armstrong Custer and his Union Cavalry were sent to Texas to support Reconstruction and to quell the Indians. He forced possession of the house, as his headquarters, but remained less than one year. His troops stayed on for four years. During the dreadful winter, January and February of 1866, the house was used as a Union Hospital for Civil War soldiers including Custer's men, some of whom died and were buried in Pease Park. Some were buried near the house.
In 1876 Colonel Andrew Neill bought the property. In 1895 Judge T.B Cochran purchased the house and made additions. In 1958 the house was sold to the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Texas. The Colonial Dames maintain the building as a furnished House Museum and as an adaptive use facility for students, study groups, seminars, weddings and functions of the Society.