Twelve Oaks
Also known as: McKie House
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Why it's listed
Twelve Oaks, also known as the McKie House, is a Greek Revival residence on Center Circle in Salado, Texas. Built between 1867 and 1869, it is a three-bay, two-story house with a single-story ell and walls of 22-inch random ashlar limestone. A two-story projecting portico carries large round limestone columns, now plastered with cement, beneath a prominent frieze and carved-stone cornice. Corner quoins, six-over-six double-hung windows and central double-door entrances with transoms and sidelights on both levels complete the design. Dr. D.B. McKie, a pioneer central Texas doctor who served in the Mexican and Civil Wars, designed the house for himself, and a well-known local stone mason known as Whiskey Jack Hendrickson built it. The house was listed for its architectural quality and its link to McKie, a wealthy and influential local figure. Alterations include a concrete terrace across the front and a rear ell addition from about 1940. The roughly 4.3-acre property lies along Salado Creek and remains a residence in good condition.
Significance in brief: The house is described as an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture, designed by its owner and built by a prominent central Texas stone mason. It was also the home of Dr. D.B. McKie, a wealthy and influential Salado resident and pioneer central Texas doctor with distinguished service in the Mexican and Civil Wars. Significance is rated local, in architecture and history.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 83003088, listed April 5, 1983. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Center Cirlce, Salado |
|---|---|
| County | Bell County |
| Listed | April 5, 1983 |
| Reference number | 83003088 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architect / builder | "Whiskey Jack" Hendrickson, builder; designed by original owner Dr. D.B. McKie |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Areas of significance | Exploration/Settlement, Architecture |
| Level of significance | State, Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Physical condition is listed as good, and the house is still used as a residence. |
| Acreage | 4.3 |
| Coordinates | 30.94593, -97.53233 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 83003088.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q110023572
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.