Southgate-Lewis House
historical marker
The Southgate-Lewis House, located in Austin, Travis County, Texas, was built in 1888. Builder Robert C. Lambie constructed this High Victorian-style residence for bookbinder John Southgate. In 1913, businessman Charles Lewis purchased the home. His family owned it until 1979. During their ownership, Charles Lewis's daughter operated an ice cream shop and a one-room school on the property. The house is located within Austin's African American Cultural Heritage District. It holds historical significance for the African American community and its educational connections. In 1986, the house was donated to the W. H. Passon Historical Society. This society preserves African American history in Austin. The Texas Historical Commission erected a marker here in 1988. The Southgate-Lewis House is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.