National Register Listing

Bertram Building

1601 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX

The Bertram Building is a rare surviving commercial building from Austin's early days of wagon road trade, and it is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A (local level) in the area of commerce.

Rudolph C. Bertram, who immigrated to Texas from Germany in 1853, purchased the city block on which the Bertram Building stands over two years from 1860 to 1862. Bertram's block was an "outlot," meaning it was outside the original 1839 city plat, in a government tract called Division E, an area sometimes informally referred to as the "back of the Capitol." In this suburban location, the Bertram complex of general store, saloon, wagon yard, blacksmith, and hotel from the 1870s to the 1890s, served farmers, traders, and travelers from the surrounding agricultural areas and beyond, who would arrive by wagon road rather than railroad. As new settlers continued to arrive in Austin and settle the Division E outlots primarily with residences, the shop turned to a more local focus, converting to a grocery in 1900. However, the Bertram Building is one of the only remaining commercial structures in Division E to reflect Austin's early past of trade with regional farmers and others who arrived in the city via wagon road.

Rudolph Bertram's individual career also represents Austin's civic and commercial development. After establishing a strong base in his local retail establishment, Bertram expanded into a wholesale business, maintaining trade relationships for export of agricultural goods and import of manufactured goods from other parts of the United States. As a complement to his business endeavors, Bertram was also a city alderman, a land speculator, and a director of the First National Bank of Austin. He was also involved in infrastructure projects, most significantly the Austin and Northwestern narrow gauge railway, which named one of its depot towns, Bertram, TX, after him. The Bertram Building is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A (local level) in the area of commerce for its ties to regional trade and travel. The period of significance extends from 1866 to 1914, after which the building stood vacant for over twenty-five years.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2012.

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.

commerce
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
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 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.