Marker Inscription
Stone contractor John Tennant began this house in 1890, when Waco's cotton-based economy flourished. In 1906 Tennant sold the structure to Ripley Hanrick, a cotton broker, but it remained unfinished. With plans drawn by architect Roy Lane (1884-1956), "The Castle" was eventually completed in 1913 as a residence for businessman Alfred Abeel (1845-1922). Limestone detailing decorates the sandstone edifice. Fine materials such as marble and mahogany embellish the interior. The house later became a focal point for the Castle Heights area. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1977
About this site
The Cottonland Castle is a historical marker in Waco, McLennan County, dedicated in 1977. It is one of 198 historical markers documented in McLennan County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 224 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 31.5337, -97.1579 near Waco. The nearest cataloged historic site is Clifton, Albert Turner, House (historical marker), about 0.6 miles away. Others within a short drive include Bell's Hill School, Cooper, Madison, House, and Rotan-Dosset House.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5309005314. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
