Mather-Kirkland House
historic place
The Mather-Kirkland House, a historic place in Austin, Travis County, stands as a notable example of Victorian architecture. Built in 1889, it was originally constructed for Myron D. Mather, who served as president of the Austin Water, Light, and Power Company. The house uniquely incorporated unused granite from the newly completed State Capitol, which was finished in 1888. In 1897, Leroy G. Denman, an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, purchased the home. During the 1920s, the house served as the Austin Military School, leading to the renaming of its street to Academy Drive. Later, in 1945, Dr. R. D. Kirkland, an osteopath, acquired the property, using it as both his residence and office for nearly three decades. The Mather-Kirkland House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It is recognized as both a Texas Historic Landmark and a City of Austin Historic Landmark. This house is significant for its architectural style, its use of Capitol granite, and its association with prominent figures and institutions in Austin's history.