H&TC and I&GN Depots
Historical marker location:ON DECEMBER 25, 1871, THE FIRST TRAIN ROLLED INTO AUSTIN OVER WALLER CREEK, BRINGING WITH IT HOPE, PROSPERITY AND PROGRESS. THE HOUSTON AND TEXAS CENTRAL (H&TC) RAILROAD MADE AUSTIN ITS WESTERNMOST TERMINUS IN THE STATE AND THE MOST PROMINENT TRADING HUB IN CENTRAL TEXAS. THE RAILROAD BROUGHT GROWTH AND SUCCESS TO THE CITY AND A DEPOT OF A FIRST CLASS NATURE WAS NEEDED.
AFTER THIRTY YEARS OF PUBLIC DEBATE, LEGAL MANEUVERS AND ECONOMIC CONSTRAINTS, THE DEPOT WAS FINALLY COMPLETED IN 1902 AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THIRD STREET AND CONGRESS AVENUE. THE DEPOT WAS DESIGNED WITH STAINED GLASS WINDOWS, A WROUGHT IRON STAIRCASE AND AN ORNATE FIREPLACE. BEGINNING IN 1904, THE H&TC BEGAN SHARING THE DEPOT WITH THE MISSOURI-KANSAS-TEXAS (M-K-T), BETTER KNOWN AS “THE KATY,” WHICH RAN SERVICE UNTIL 1964. THE DEPOT WAS DEMOLISHED IN 1965.
IN 1876, THE INTERNATIONAL AND GREAT NORTHERN (I&GN) OPENED THE SECOND RAIL LINE TO AUSTIN, BECOMING THE CITY’S MAJOR RAIL LINE FOR MANY YEARS. CITIZENS AGAIN SUGGESTED A DEPOT BE BUILT WHICH MIRRORED THE STATURE AUSTIN NOW HELD WITHIN THE STATE. IN 1888, I&GN HIRED GUSTAV WILKE, WHO BUILT THE STATE CAPITOL, TO BUILD THE NEW DEPOT AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THIRD AND CONGRESS. IT INCLUDED GRANITE TRIMMINGS, RED OAK, AND A SLATE ROOF. I&GN AND ITS SUCCESSOR, THE MISSOURI PACIFIC, RAN TRAINS OUT OF THE DEPOT UNTIL 1949, WHEN A NEW DEPOT WAS BUILT ON LAMAR BOULEVARD. THE I&GN DEPOT WAS DEMOLISHED IN 1955.
THESE DEPOTS REPRESENTED THE INFLUENTIAL AND IMPORTANT POSITION AUSTIN HELD AS THE STATE CAPITAL. THEY ALSO HELPED BRING COMMERCE, TRANSPORTATION, AND SOPHISTICATION TO THE BURGEONING CITY AND HIGHLIGHTED AUSTIN’S PROMISE AS PASSENGERS STEPPED OFF THE TRAINS
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
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.
Travis County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.