National Register Listing

Old West Austin Historic District

Roughly bounded by W. 13th, Lamar Blvd., W. 35th and Mo-Pac Expy., Austin, TX

The Old West Austin Historic District is a historic district in Austin, Texas that encompasses three suburbs platted in more than forty subdivisions that wind between Shoal Creek and the MoPac Expressway from 13th to 35th Streets, northwest of downtown Austin.

The Old West Austin Historic District encompasses three suburbs platted in more than forty subdivisions that wind between Shoal Creek and the MoPac Expressway from 13th to 35th Streets, northwest of downtown Austin, Texas. As a well-preserved collection of early- to mid-twentieth-century residences, the historic district evokes the measured spread of suburban development that paralleled the city's steady growth. The streetcar had propelled earlier local suburban development, but Enfield, Pemberton Heights, and Bryker Woods were the city's first automobile suburbs. These residential areas, developed between 1886 and 1953, appealed to middle- and upper-class home buyers who sought escape from the city and large, lush lots with a mixture of architectural forms and styles. An important component of the historic district is Pease Park, established in 1875 and later expanded as the City of Austin undertook a parks program, which defines the district's east boundary.

A variety of architectural styles and influences are evident in the Old West Austin Historic District, based on trends in architectural design. Styles represented include Colonial Revival, Classical Revival, Tudor Revival, Mission/Spanish Colonial Revivals, Prairie School, Bungalow/Craftsman, Moderne, International, and Ranch. Many prominent architects designed homes in the historic district, several of whom had national reputations. The period of significance extends back to 1853 so as to incorporate Woodlawn, an Abner-Cook-designed plantation home that several Texas governors have resided in, and a few additional Contributing buildings that date to the late nineteenth century.

The historic district is evaluated within the context of Suburban Development in Texas and nominated at the local level of significance under Criterion A in the area of Community Planning and Development for its associations with suburban planning and design. The district also meets Criterion A in the area of Entertainment/Recreation for its associations with the development and design of municipal parks in Austin during the early- to mid-twentieth centuries. As well, the district meets Criterion C in the area of Architecture for its eclectic collection of suburban dwellings that reflected popular contemporaneous architectural influences.

Modern-day West Austin includes a considerably larger portion of the city than it did historically. The earliest area of suburban development west of the city limits has become known locally as old West Austin, which is roughly defined as the area between Shoal Creek and the MoPac Expressway from 12th to 35th Streets.

Suburban development to the west and north of this area generally began later and, while it can be considered part of modern-day West Austin, was not part of the earlier-developed old West Austin.
Local significance of the district:
Community Planning And Development; 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.

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 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.