Bryson Farmstead, 4181 US Highway 183, Leander, Williamson County, TX

2008 Charles E. Peterson Prize, Entry
Significance: The J.C. Bryson Farmstead was built in 1872 by J.C. and Nancy Bryson. The original parcel of land covered approximately 224 acres. In 1970, the farmstead referred to as the Pioneer's House became a Texas Historic Landmark. Located on a slight ridge, between the prairie land to the southwest and the rocky terrain to the northeast, the Bryson Farmstead is comprised of a main house and a collection of outbuildings that are closely situated to the homestead. Originally the Bryson Farmstead operated as livestock grazing, cedar harvesting, food for livestock, cash crops, and subsistence farming. Today, the property functions in a similar capacity as a farmstead. An open area eastward and adjacent to the buildings marks the intersection of several wagon routes that connected to other properties, such as the Pickle and Mason Farms. Transportation routes in the area also include the nearby trading communities of Bagdad, Liberty Hall, and later, Leander...
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N1359
Survey number: HABS TX-3538
Building/structure dates: 1872 Initial Construction