National Register Listing

Deep Eddy Bathing Beach

a.k.a. Deep Eddy Pool; Eilers Park

301 Quarry St., Austin, TX

Deep Eddy Pool is an historic swimming pool located in Austin, Texas. It was built in 1916 and is now a city park. The pool is significant for its long history as an Austin recreation area and for its excellent example of New Deal-era park architecture.

In 1902 Mary and Henry Johnson, an enterprising brother and sister, turned a natural reservoir of deep cool water in the Colorado River on their father's land into a private recreational facility open to the public. With its easily accessible location at the end of a streetcar line, Deep Eddy thrived, and the Johnsons sold the bathing beach in 1915 to Austin businessman A.J. Eilers. Eilers built a pool on the site in 1916, and manager George Rowley brought in a new level of summertime entertainment with traveling shows, trapezes and movies. When business began to slow during the depression, Eilers sold the park to the City of Austin. Taking advantage of new money available through the New Deal, the City built a limestone bathhouse on the site in 1935. The new bathhouse followed recent trends in park building design; a compact floor plan with group changing areas kept costs down, open air dressing rooms provided ventilation and sanitation, and the rustic limestone exterior allowed it to blend into its natural setting. Today the property is eligible at the local level of significance under Criterion A in the area of Recreation, for its long history as an Austin recreation area, and Criterion C in the area of Architecture for its excellent example of New Deal-era park architecture.
Local significance of the district:
Entertainment/recreation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

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.

entertainment recreation architecture
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.