Tyler in Smith County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Rudolph Bergfeld
(1855-1930)
By the 1880s, Bergfeld opened a second saloon and began to work in real estate and railroad ventures. In 1887, he helped to open the Grande Opera House. By the 1890s, Bergfeld had turned his interest to banking, opening Bergfeld Loan & Trust, which merged with City National Bank to create Citizens National Bank in 1900. That same year, the newly created Tyler Chamber of Commerce appointed him Director. In 1901, he opened a second Bergfeld Loan & Trust, which in 1905 consolidated with Farmers & Merchants National Bank.
Bergfeld's real estate activities were also notable. He actively developed property throughout the city, including the historic Azalea District. Bergfeld also sold land to the city for use as a park, which was named in his honor. Besides Bergfeld's positions on banking boards, he served as chair or director of several different companies and organizations. He was also a member of the Board of Education of Tyler Public Schools (1906-1924) and of fraternal organizations. Rudolph Bergfeld died in 1930 and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Today, he is remembered as a community leader whose business activities contributed greatly to the growth of Tyler.
Erected 2008 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15204.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 32° 19.978′ N, 95° 18.049′ W. Marker is in Tyler, Texas, in Smith County. Marker is at the intersection of South Broadway Avenue and E 3rd st, on the right when traveling south on South Broadway Avenue. The marker is located on S Broadway Ave, in front of Bergfeld Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1501 S Broadway Ave, Tyler TX 75701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ordnance Plant (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Confederate Arms Factory (approx. 0.4 miles away); Woman's Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Gary Elementary School (approx. 0.6 miles away); Chilton-Lipstate-Taylor House (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Connally Home (approx. 0.6 miles away); Ramey House (approx. ¾ mile away); Whitaker-McClendon House (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tyler.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 62 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 29, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.