Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all Austin places

Austin, Texas / History

The Littlefield Home

This striking 1893 Victorian home on the University of Texas at Austin campus was built for Civil War veteran and cattle baron George Littlefield. It stands as a beautifully preserved, historic campus landmark.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
The Littlefield Home
volzassociates.com, source_link_og_volzassociates.com

Can I go inside The Littlefield Home?

No, the home is closed and not open to the public. It is currently used for university functions on the ground floor and as office space for the Office of University Events upstairs.

Where is the home located?

The historic home is located on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, specifically at 302 W 24th St (at the corner of 24th Street and Whitis Avenue).

What is the history and architectural style of the house?

Built in 1893 for Civil War veteran and cattle baron George Littlefield, the home was designed by architect James Wahrenberger in the Victorian style. It is considered the best surviving example of eclectic Victorian design in Austin and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Built in 1893 at 24th Street and Whitis Avenue, the Littlefield Home is considered the oldest building on the main campus of the University of Texas at Austin. Designed by San Antonio architect James Wahrenberger for cattle baron and Civil War veteran Major George Washington Littlefield and his wife Alice, this red-brown, Southern Victorian-style residence cost $50,000 to construct. It is celebrated as the finest surviving example of eclectic Victorian design in Austin. The grand residence sits on the edge of the university's original Forty Acres. Over its long history, the house has served many purposes. Although Major Littlefield left his home and carriage house to the university upon his death, his wife Alice lived there until her passing in 1935, when she formally bequeathed the property to the university. The school has utilized the 16,135-square-foot building in various ways since 1894, including a highly unusual stint as an attic firing range during World War II, and later as the home of the Music Department. Today, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, having been added in 1970. While the interior remains closed to the general public—housing the Office of University Events on the upper floors and hosting university functions on the ground floor—visitors can still admire its intricate exterior. On the grounds, an impressive, mature Deodar Cedar tree imported from the Himalayas stands watch over this quiet, historic corner of an otherwise bustling campus.

Visitor tips

  • The interior of the home is closed to the general public and used for university offices.
  • You can view the historic exterior and grounds at 302 W 24th Street on the UT Austin campus.
  • Look for the massive Deodar Cedar tree from the Himalayas growing on the property.

Nearby context

Situated on the quiet corner of West 24th Street and Whitis Avenue, the Littlefield Home sits on the edge of the original Forty Acres of the University of Texas at Austin campus. This historic area blends academic bustle with preserved landmarks, including the nearby Littlefield Hall dormitory built in 1927. Just a short walk away, visitors can transition from late 19th-century Victorian elegance to Austin's modern counterculture by visiting the iconic "Hi, How Are You" mural, highlighting the diverse cultural layers of the West Campus neighborhood.

Sources

Evidence and links