Wahrenberger House

The Wahrenberger House is a two-story residential building in downtown Austin built with limestone walls and a classical portico supported by columns. The structure stands on West 14th Street, just two blocks from the Texas State Capitol, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

The house was built between 1867 and 1868 by Friedrich Huster and reflects German presence in Austin during the post-Civil War reconstruction period. It changed hands several times before being deeded to Caroline Wahrenberger in 1882 and later hosting two German-language schools.

The house served as home to two German-American educational institutions that taught students and reflected the city's ties to its German-speaking population. The rooms tell of a chapter in local history where education and cultural exchange took place within these walls.

The building is centrally located and easy to reach on foot, being just two blocks from the Capitol. Visitors should check on the property's current status and any access restrictions before planning a visit.

Students from the German-language academy played an unexpected role in rescuing documents during the 1881 fire at the old Capitol building. These young people contributed to protecting important public records and showed their value to the city.

Location: Texas

Location: Austin

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture, Beaux-Arts

Address: 208 W. 14th St.

GPS coordinates: 30.27667,-97.74167

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:47