Barton Hills in Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Barton Springs
Clear and icy, these springs over the years have drawn Indians, pioneers, and tourists to this spot. The waters are brought from the limestone strata to the surface by the Balcones Fault, which bisects Central Texas. Average flow is 27,000,000 gallons daily.
During 1730-1731, Spanish friars located three missions here. Colorful settler William "Uncle Billy" Barton patented the land about 1837, naming two of the springs for his daughters Parthenia and Eliza. His two tame baby buffalos soon began to attract sightseers to his place, in spite of constant danger from Indian attacks.
As the place gained in popularity, one astute Austin merchant installed a merry-go-round here and rented bathing suits to swimmers. In 1871 he and several others built ice-making machines at the springs. In addition, flour mills, sawmills, and a quarry appeared along the creek banks.
About 1875 the riverboat "Sunbeam" ran excursions to Barton's at 50 cents a round trip. At one period a ferry was located here on a main road to Austin.
Between 1901 and 1913 A. J. Zilker, leading merchant, bought this land and in 1918 and 1931 deeded it to the people of Austin for use as a park.
Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 6443.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Natural Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.
Location. 30° 15.851′ N, 97° 46.256′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Barton Hills. Marker can be reached from William Barton Drive west of Andrew Zilker Road, on the right when traveling east. The marker is at Barton Springs Pool. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Austin TX 78746, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Andrew Jackson Zilker (here, next to this marker); Philosophers’ Rock (a few steps from this marker); Approximate Location of the Missions (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rocky Cliff (approx. 0.3 miles away); Swedes of Texas (approx. 0.3 miles away); Swedish Log Cabin (approx. 0.3 miles away); Esperanza School Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Old I.V. Davis Homestead (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,464 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 23, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on August 29, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 4, 5. submitted on December 23, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.