National Register Listing

Moore's Crossing Historic District

Roughly bounded by FM 973, old Burleson Rd. and Onion Cr., Austin, TX
The buildings, structures, and sites that comprise the Moore's Crossing Historic District are the surviving remnants of a southeast Travis County agricultural community that provided goods and services to area farmers and offered religious, educational, and social activities for local residents with no direct access to urban amenities. Moore's Crossing Historic District has a period of locally significant development dating from 1846 to 1946. It is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under Criterion A, in the areas of Agriculture, Commerce, and Exploration/Settlement, with emphasis on historic settlement patterns. In addition, it is eligible under Criterion C, in the area of Community Planning and Development, with an emphasis on the evolution of the community over time. The Moore's Crossing Historic District relates to the historic context. Rural Development and Building Traditions in Southeastern Travis County, as an example of a community whose pioneers and later farmers established their homes in close proximity to natural resources and viable transportation routes. Occupation of the area surrounding Moore's Crossing was the result of area residents' need for an accessible creek ford and relief from flood waters. Documentation shows that the Onion Creek ford was an important crossing point for pioneers at least as early as 1846. Before the United States government successfully dammed the Colorado River in 1938, Onion Creek flooded regularly and people at Moore's Crossing often found bridges impassable and roads mired in mud. Commercial and agricultural services established at Moore's Crossing after the Civil War made the community a focal point for lower Onion Creek farmers and their families. The mercantile, blacksmith shop, meat market, and cotton gin relate Moore's Crossing to this historic context as examples of the post-reconstruction trend that forced whites in rural areas to establish self-sufficient communities to serve needs no longer provided by a slave economy. Despite the loss of highly cultivated farmland to Bergstrom Air Force Base during World War II, the decrease in number of farm families living in the area, and the advent of better roads to Austin for supplies, Moore's Crossing adapted to changing economic and agricultural demands until 1946. The district currently contains 21 extant resources. Contributing properties include a store—the nucleus of this once thriving community—two houses, a garage, two wells, a privy, a hen house, a small barn, the remains of cotton gin, an iron truss bridge, a concrete bridge, and the site of the Onion Creek ford. The resources in the Moore's Crossing Historic District are a reminder of the vibrant rural community that once existed near the lower Onion Creek ford.
Local significance of the district:
Communications; Commerce; Agriculture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
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 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.