O. Henry Museum

The O. Henry Museum is the former residence of William Sydney Porter, otherwise known as O. Henry, the short story writer who authored such classics as “The Gift of the Magi,” “The Ransom of Red Chief,” and “The Last Leaf.” The mission of the museum is to collect, preserve, and interpret artifacts and archival materials relative to Porter for literary, educational, and historical purposes. Through exhibits, programs, and tours, the museum focuses on Porter’s Austin years, during which he wrote his earliest stories. The museum is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The tiny Queen Anne-style cottage is today a testament to the time period as well as a community center for some of Austin's best literary events, including the Annual O. Henry Pun-off. The Museum shares its plot of land with the Susanna Dickinson Museum next door. Dickinson is another controversial character in Texas' strange history, a possible madame credited with aiding Sam Houston in the defeat of Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto.

The O. Henry Museum is the former residence of William Sydney Porter, otherwise known as O. Henry, the short story writer who authored such classics as “The Gift of the Magi,” “Th…

409 East 5th Street, Austin, TX • 512-974-1398