The Wahrenberger House: A Glimpse into Austin's Past
historical marker
The Wahrenberger House, located in Austin, Travis County, Texas, stands as a historical marker. It was constructed between 1867 and 1868 by Friedrich Huster. Charles Klein acquired the house after its completion. The house is named for Klein's daughter, Caroline Wahrenberger, who received the property in 1882. For generations, the Klein–Wahrenberger family resided here. The house also served as a location for two German–American schools, including the Texas German and English Academy. When Caroline Wahrenberger operated it as a boarding house, notable residents included future Texas Governor Pat Morris Neff and future Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Sam Rayburn. Students from the Texas German and English Academy, while leasing the house, helped rescue historical records from the old Texas Capitol fire in 1881. Originally a two-story limestone residence in a vernacular Greek Revival style, the house later incorporated Classical Revival elements. The historical marker for the Wahrenberger House was erected in 1963 by the State Historical Survey Committee. The house was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1972 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This site reflects a significant period of Austin's architectural and educational history.