The O. Henry Museum preserves the Victorian cottage where William Sidney Porter—better known as O. Henry—lived before becoming one of America’s most celebrated short story writers. Famous for his clever twist endings, O. Henry penned timeless classics like “The Gift of the Magi,” “The Ransom of Red Chief,” and “The Cop and the Anthem.”

Porter moved to Austin in 1884, working as a land surveyor, musician, and eventually a bank clerk, but his poor bookkeeping landed him in trouble. In 1898, he was convicted of embezzlement and sent to federal prison in Ohio. While behind bars, he adopted the pen name O. Henry, inspired by a list of notable names he kept, and wrote the stories that made him famous.

The museum offers a look into his personal artifacts, handwritten manuscripts, and original furnishings, bringing his complex life to light. Visitors can also experience the O. Henry Pun-Off, an annual wordplay competition honoring his love for wit and language.

A must-visit for literary fans and history buffs, the O. Henry Museum celebrates the legacy of a writer who mastered the art of the unexpected.