Commemorated on 2 plaques
Texas Historical Marker #10249
John Matthew Cape House. This late Victorian style home was built in 1902 for the family of John Matthew Cape (1861-1933). Cape owned several cotton gins along the San Marcos River and was instrumental in the organization of San Marcos Utilities and the State Bank & trust Co. He and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Bales (1870-1941). Had 7 children. Outstanding features of the Cape House include its decorative woodwork and the wraparound porch on each story. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1985 #10249
316 W. Hopkins, San Marcos, TX, United States where they lived
Texas Historical Marker #10332
Thompson's Island Homeplace. Dr. William Alexander Thompson (1803-1879) made an agreement with neighbors in 1850 to use the San Marcos River for irrigation and as a source of energy. He and his sons William A. and James used slave labor to build a gristmill, sawmill and cotton gin. The land masses formed by digging a ditch for the waterwheel and a sluiceway from the river were called "Thompson Islands." The Thompsons directed the business until 1911 when John Matthew Cape (1861-1933) bought the mill. The use of electricity in 1942 ended the mill's need for water power. #10332
Conway and River Road, San Marcos, TX, United States where they owned (1911)