Burton in Washington County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Texas Pink Granite Rock

Photographed By James Hulse, April 2, 2023

1. Texas Pink Granite Rock Marker

Inscription. This Texas pink granite rock was one of many such rocks that shook off the flat cars of the H&TC Railroad when they were being transported from Granite Mountain in Burnet County through Burton en route to be used in the building of the Galveston Sea Wall which was started in 1902 and finished in 1904. This is the same stone that was used in the building of the State Capitol of Texas. This rock has been on the railroad right of way near Burton these many years and was moved to this site on May 27, 1987.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is May 27, 1987.

Location. 30° 10.93′ N, 96° 35.766′ W. Marker is in Burton, Texas, in Washington County. Marker is at the intersection of North Main Street (State Highway 125) and West Washington Street (Farm to Market Road 390), on the left when traveling north on North Main Street. The marker is located northwest of the Burton State Bank. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 515 North Main Street, Burton TX 77835, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Burton Community (here, next to this marker); Steiner & Dallmeyer Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Burton Cafe (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Site of Burton State Bank

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Burton Depot (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. John's Evangelical and Reformed Church (about 700 feet away); The Restoration Project (approx. 0.2 miles away); Burton Farmers Gin (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Burton.

Also see . . . Galveston Seawall and Grade Raising. American Society of Civil Engineers

The need for such a seawall became apparent when on September 8, 1900 a hurricane struck Galveston Island resulting in the greatest natural disaster in U.S. history. The storm killed, at a minimum, 6,000 of the island's 44,000 inhabitants and caused an estimated $30 million in damage. A three-member board of engineers [Henry Martyn Robert, Alfred Noble (President, ASCE 1903), and Henry Clay Ripley] was formed to make recommendations regarding protecting the city from overflows, raising the city above overflows, and building a seawall.

(Submitted on April 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The Texas Pink Granite Rock and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, April 2, 2023

2. The Texas Pink Granite Rock and Marker

The Texas Pink Granite Rock and Marker are located to the right of the Burton Bank building. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, April 2, 2023

3. The Texas Pink Granite Rock and Marker are located to the right of the Burton Bank building.

Postcard of Galveston, Texas image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - UTA Libraries Digital Gallery, circa 1908

4. Postcard of Galveston, Texas

View of the seawall with two men standing on the rip rap (granite rocks).

Galveston Sea Wall under construction image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, July 5, 1905

5. Galveston Sea Wall under construction

No. 3, Sea Wall, From West of Rapid Fire Battery, Fort Crockett

Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 108 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.