Neill-Cochran House Museum

The Neill-Cochran House, completed in 1855, stands as a rare and significant example of antebellum Greek Revival architecture in Austin. Built by Abner Cook, a prominent Texas architect, for Governor Andrew Neill, the house quickly became a landmark. Its grand columns and symmetrical design spoke to the aspirations of a young, growing state capital. However, its early history was dramatically shaped by the onset of the Civil War. From 1862 to 1865, the house was pressed into service as a Confederate hospital, tending to wounded soldiers. The elegant parlors that once hosted social gatherings were transformed into wards, bearing witness to the harsh realities of wartime. After the war, the house returned to its residential purpose, passing through various prominent Austin families, including the Cochrans, who owned it for over a century and gave it its enduring name. Today, it offers a tangible connection to early Austin and the profound impact of the Civil War on the burgeoning city.