Historical Marker

Old Quarry Site

Historical marker location:
7700 Ardath Street, Austin, Texas
( Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park, near pool entrance)
Marker installed: 1981

Limestone quarried at this site was hauled to Congress Avenue by oxen and used in constructing the 1853 Texas Capitol Building. The structure burned in 1881, but stone from the capitol ruins was later used in several Austin building projects. The quarry site was originally part of the land granted to Tennessee native George Washington Davis (1806-84) for his service in the Texas Revolution. Later inherited by his daughter-in-law Elvira T. Davis, the land was maintained as the family homestead for many years. The Davis Cemetery is located nearby (.25 mi. SW). (1981).