Moore Hancock Farmstead

Moore-Hancock Farmstead Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Austin Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located in Austin’s historic Rosedale neighborhood, the Moore-Hancock Farmstead is a rare and tangible link to Texas’s early frontier days. As the city’s oldest continuously occupied log house on its original site, this landmark offers a nuanced perspective into 19th-century settler life, African American landownership after emancipation, and Austin’s evolving urban landscape. For those seeking information on “Moore-Hancock Farmstead visiting hours,” “Moore-Hancock Farmstead tickets,” and “Austin historical sites,” this comprehensive guide delivers essential details for planning your visit, understanding the site’s cultural significance, and making the most of your experience. For the latest updates, consult the official website, Texas Beyond History, and Anthropology Internships at Texas State University.

Overview and Historical Significance
Early Land Ownership and Settlement
Construction and Architectural Features
Moore and Hancock Family Legacies
African American Heritage
Archaeology and Preservation
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Guided Tours and Special Events
Photographic Spots and Nearby Attractions
Timeline of Key Events
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Community Involvement and Volunteering
Conclusion and Planning Resources

Overview and Historical Significance

The Moore-Hancock Farmstead stands as a testament to Austin’s layered history, reflecting nearly two centuries of change from pioneer settlement through the Civil War and Reconstruction to the present. It is both a family homestead and a symbol of resilience—encompassing the stories of Anglo settlers, enslaved individuals, and freed African American landowners. Today, the site serves as a focal point for education, preservation, and community engagement, connecting visitors with Austin’s frontier roots and ongoing heritage initiatives (anthropologyinternships.wp.txstate.edu; texasbeyondhistory.net).

Early Land Ownership and Settlement

The farmstead’s story begins in the 1830s, when Gideon White, one of Austin’s founding settlers, acquired a 1,237-acre tract. After White’s death in 1842, his widow Elizabeth allocated part of the land to her daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Martin Moore. By the late 1840s, the Moores constructed a dog-run log cabin, which became the core of the present-day farmstead (anthropologyinternships.wp.txstate.edu).

Construction and Architectural Features

The main house exemplifies the mid-19th-century “dog-run” cabin design—two log rooms separated by a breezeway for ventilation in the Texas heat. Built from hand-hewn logs and native materials, the structure is recognized as the city’s oldest surviving residential building on its original site. Other historic features include a rock summer kitchen with root cellar, a small log barn, and a hand-dug well. Restoration efforts, notably in the late 20th century, have preserved the authenticity and integrity of these buildings (anthropologyinternships.wp.txstate.edu).

Moore and Hancock Family Legacies

Martin Moore and his wife established the homestead as a working farm, contributing to Austin’s early economy. After Martin’s death in 1859 and Elizabeth’s departure post-Civil War, the property came under the stewardship of Judge John Hancock. During Reconstruction, Judge Hancock permitted formerly enslaved individuals—including the Hancock brothers—to remain and cultivate the land. This transition reflects broader regional patterns of emancipation, landownership, and community-building in postwar Texas (texasbeyondhistory.net).

African American Heritage

The Hancock family’s presence on the land, especially Rubin Hancock and his brothers, represents a significant chapter in Texas’s African American history. After emancipation, the Hancocks became landowners, defying the odds of their era. Rubin Hancock, his wife Elizabeth, and their children built successful farmsteads and played leading roles in the local African American community. Their legacy is highlighted in interpretive materials and special programming at the farmstead (texasbeyondhistory.net).

Archaeology and Preservation

Archaeological investigations at the site have uncovered a wealth of artifacts illuminating daily life for both the Moore and Hancock families. Artifacts curated at Texas State University’s Center for Archaeological Studies include household goods, tools, and personal items. Ongoing research continues to inform public interpretation and preservation strategies. Community volunteers, local historians, and preservation groups such as Preservation Austin have been instrumental in the site’s ongoing stewardship (anthropologyinternships.wp.txstate.edu; preservationaustin.org).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Location: 4811 Sinclair Avenue, Austin, TX 78756 (Rosedale neighborhood)
Regular Hours: The farmstead is open to the public during scheduled events and open houses. There are no daily public hours.
Special Events:

Black History Month Open House: Last Sunday in February (e.g., February 22, 2026, 2–4 pm)
October Open House: A weekend in October
Juneteenth “Four Brothers Tour”: June 21, 2025
Group Visits: By appointment only.
Admission: Free for open houses and community events. Donations are encouraged to support preservation. Some specialized tours may require advance registration or tickets (Eventbrite Four Brothers Tour).
Accessibility: The historic site features uneven terrain and narrow doorways. Key areas are partially accessible, but visitors with mobility concerns should contact the farmstead in advance.
Parking: On-street parking is available. Please respect neighborhood residents and parking regulations.
Public Transit: The Rosedale neighborhood is served by Capital Metro bus routes.

(moorehancockfarmstead.com)

Guided Tours and Special Events

During open houses, knowledgeable docents provide guided tours focusing on the architecture, archaeology, and family histories. Annual events include living history demonstrations, artifact exhibits, and educational workshops. The “Four Brothers Tour”—a self-guided driving experience—traces the broader Hancock family legacy in the area (Eventbrite Four Brothers Tour).

Photographic Spots and Nearby Attractions

Best Photo Opportunities:

The historic dog-run log house (exterior and breezeway)
Rock summer kitchen and root cellar
Native gardens and wildlife habitat
Nearby Attractions:
Elisabet Ney Museum
Shoal Creek Greenbelt
Texas State Capitol
Bullock Texas State History Museum

(Shoal Creek Conservancy; Preservation Austin)

Timeline of Key Events

1839: Gideon White and Martin Moore arrive, establish Austin’s first mercantile store
1842: Gideon White killed; land inherited by Elizabeth White
1846: Elizabeth White transfers 521 acres to her daughter and Martin Moore
Late 1840s: Dog-run log cabin constructed
1859: Martin Moore’s death; Elizabeth remains until after the Civil War
Post-1865: Judge John Hancock’s stewardship; Hancock brothers remain as landowners
Late 19th–early 20th centuries: Hancock family builds successful African American farmsteads
1989–1993: Major restoration under Dr. Michael Collins
Present: Ongoing preservation, community events, and educational programming

(anthropologyinternships.wp.txstate.edu; texasbeyondhistory.net)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Moore-Hancock Farmstead visiting hours?
A: Open during scheduled events and open houses. See the official website for details.

Q: Do I need tickets for entry?
A: General admission is free during open houses; some special events or tours may require advance registration or tickets.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Some areas are accessible, but uneven terrain and historic features may limit full access. Contact organizers before visiting.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Street parking only; observe local guidelines.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, during open houses and by appointment for groups.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, photography is welcome during open houses and of the exterior at any time.

Community Involvement and Volunteering

The farmstead’s preservation relies on community support. Volunteers assist with events, educational programming, and site maintenance. Neighborhood associations and historical organizations, such as Preservation Austin, offer additional opportunities for engagement (preservationaustin.org).

Conclusion and Planning Resources

The Moore-Hancock Farmstead is more than a preserved homestead—it is a living narrative of Austin’s diverse and resilient past. Through its historic structures, interpretive programs, and special events, the farmstead invites visitors to experience the stories that shaped the city. Before visiting, check moorehancockfarmstead.com for the latest on hours, ticketing, and events. Enhance your visit with the Audiala app for guided audio tours and follow the farmstead’s social media channels for news and updates.

Summary:
The Moore-Hancock Farmstead is a vital historical site in Austin, offering insight into early Texas settlement, African American heritage, and the city’s evolution. Open to the public during special events, the site features guided tours, educational programs, and a unique opportunity to explore the only original log house remaining in Austin. Plan ahead by checking visiting hours and event schedules, and support ongoing preservation by attending events or volunteering.