Goodman Building
202 W. 13th St., Austin, TXAfter a succession of owners John Eisenbach, a tailor, bought the property in 1872. Eisenbach owned the land until 1887, but there is no evidence that he ever built on the land. In 1887 he sold "land and improvements" to John Goodman, a grocer who maintained his store one block away.
Apparently, Goodman built on this site in the early 1890's for the 1893-94 City Directory was the first to list his new business address at 202 West 13th Street. Goodman, however, continued to reside at his previous address at 302 West 13th. Advertising "Groceries, Provisions, Feed, Beer, Saloon," the Goodman store, located on the ground floor of the two-story building, must have had a successful business. Situated in the middle of what was then a residential district and only a block away from the Capitol grounds, Goodman probably had a prosperous and faithful clientele. Goodman operated his grocery in the building until 1924. In 1939 Dr. Henry L. Hilgartner, a physician, bought the building and now maintains his office on the first floor.
The second floor was first occupied by the Bickler Academy, an elite preparatory school, from 1892-96. The floor was used for apartments and continued to be rented as living units until 1969. Today Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas maintains their office on this upper floor.
This attractive two-story building is one of the few examples remaining in the Capitol complex of a 19th century commercial structure. The store, school and apartments which were located in the Goodman Building all served important functions in the residential area that surrounded the Capitol in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Bibliography
Webb, Walter Prescott, ed. The Handbook of Texas. Vol. 1 of 2, (Austin: The Texas State Historical Association, 1952).
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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.
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.