National Register Listing

Gethsemane Lutheran Church and Luther Hall (Boundary Increase)

105 W 16th St., Austin, TX

The nomination for Gethsemane Lutheran Church and Luther Hall is amended to include Luther Hall's date of construction (1883-1940), and the name of the nomination is amended to describe the entirety of the property.

Gethsemane Lutheran Church, at 1510 Congress, in Austin, Texas, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. The period of significance noted in the nomination was "19th century" with a specific date of 1883. The areas of significance noted were "architecture" and "religion." This nomination amendment increases the boundary of the nomination to include the adjacent support building known as "Luther Hall," a Modern Movement building constructed in 1940. The period of significance is increased to include Luther Hall's date of construction (1883-1940), and the name of the nomination is amended to describe the entirety of the property ("Gethsemane Lutheran Church and Luther Hall").

Gethsemane Lutheran Church was founded by Swedish immigrants in Austin in the mid nineteenth century. The congregation constructed the church at 16h and Congress in 1883 salvaging materials from both the first State Capitol and the Old Main building at the University of Texas. In 1940 the congregation constructed Luther Hall to provide office, activity, and meeting space for the growing congregation. In contrast to the gothic revival church the Modern parish hall has minimal detailing. The congregation moved to a new facility in 1961. Because of their proximity to the capitol grounds, the State of Texas purchased the two buildings for offices. Today the Texas Historical Commission occupies both buildings. Gethsemane Lutheran Church and Luther Hall are eligible under Criterion A in the area of Religion and under Criterion C in the area of Architecture. Because the buildings are primarily significant for architecture as well as religion Criteria Consideration A applies.
Local significance of the building:
Religion; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

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.

religion architecture Lutheran denomination churches
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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.
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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.