National Register Listing

Zilker Park Historic District

a.k.a. Zilker Metropolitan Park;Zilker Park;Barton Springs;Barton S

2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX
The Zilker Park Historic District represents the centerpiece of Austin's renowned park system. Austin resident Andew J. Zilker deeded the land to the city of Austin in a series of three agreements that eventually led to the formation of Austin's parks system. Zilker Park evolved between 1917 and 1939, shaped by two distinct trends in American park design—the Reform Park Movement and the Depression-inspired era of public works. At the time of its creation, Zilker Park represented the latest trends in park design and conservation. Today, the park continues to inspire progressive environmental policy and remains an indelible part of Austin's recreation and conservation history. The Zilker Park Historic District achieves significance under Criterion A in the areas of Conservation and Entertainment/Recreation at the local level of significance for its association with the development and design of municipal parks in Austin during the early 20th century, through federally-funded relief, conservation, and employment programs of the Great Depression, and for its role as a popular recreation area in Austin for more than 60 years. The district also meets Criterion C in the areas of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at the local level of significance for its numerous elements that represent a designed landscape type relating to the Reform Park Movement design philosophy and construction methods of Depression-era public works programs.
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Conservation; Entertainment/recreation; Landscape Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture conservation entertainment recreation landscape architecture
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
Texas random facts
Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.

Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.

During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.

Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Travis County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Travis County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache.

  • 1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.

  • 1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.

  • 1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."

  • 1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.

  • 1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.

  • 1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.

  • 1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.

  • 1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.

  • 2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.