I am a historian researching the life and times of James Hughes Callahan. The efforts of my research are being incorporated into a book about him. As one of the founders of Blanco County, Callahan deserves some recognition with an integrated narrative of his life and adventures.

In a recent visit in Blanco, local residents identified where his homestead resided. In old newspapers, the Callahan house sat beside Callahan Creek and alongside a powerful flowing spring. His homestead sat under pecans trees on the existing Phipps Ranch on the south bank of the Blanco River.

If one travels down River Run, stop on the cement section and look across the river to a small picnic table. Under those three trees Callahan constructed his house out of boards and planks. It was an unpainted building. 1 inch by 12 inch planks were erected vertically with the cracks being covered by 1 inch by 3 inch batting. This was the typical construction during those days. Callahan built his house in 1853 or early 1854. It remained on this site until the 1953 flood washed it from its foundation.

I am hoping that some long-term Blanco River resident or one of their ancestors photographed the old Callahan house. I would like to include a picture of Callahan’s last home in the book I am preparing.

Email Tom at tommyothomcd@hotmail.com or call the newspaper office at 830-833-4812 if you have information about such a photo.