Downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Saint Mary’s Cathedral
Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, March 1, 2026
1. Saint Mary’s Cathedral Marker
In 1851, the Catholics of Austin wrote to the Most Rev. John M. Odin (1801-1871), first Bishop of Texas. “This city is improving rapidly and our intentions are to build a church…if we can get a clergyman to stay among us.” Father Michael Sheehan was sent. Soon a small church was built on the corner of Ash (Ninth) and Brazos streets. The new Parish was called Saint Patrick’s, but the name was changed to Saint Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception in 1866.
In 1874, at the invitation of Bishop Claude M. Dubuis, the Holy Cross priests, brothers, and sisters from Notre Dame, Indiana, came to Austin to establish a school (now Saint Edward’s University), and to serve at Saint Mary’s – as they have now (1977) done for over a century. Upon their arrival, the present church, designed by architect Nicholas J. Clayton of Galveston, was built of native limestone. It was dedicated in 1884. The 2000-pound bell first tolled from the tower on July 4, 1886. The stained glass windows from Germany and France were added in the 1890s. Saint Mary’s was designated the cathedral for the newly-established Diocese of Austin in 1947.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1977
Erected 1977 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14676.)
Topics. This historical
this page online
Location. 30° 16.279′ N, 97° 44.386′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Downtown Austin. It is on East 10th Street east of Brazos Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 208 E 10th Street, Austin TX 78701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Site of Tenth Street Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); General James Earl Rudder (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Millett Opera House (about 400 feet away); Texas Highway Department (about 400 feet away); General Land Office Building of 1856-57 (about 500 feet away); The Woman Suffrage Movement in Texas (about 600 feet away); M.M. Long’s Livery Stable and Opera House (about 600 feet away); Governor Andrew Jackson Hamilton (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Texas State Capitol (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . Saint Mary Cathedral. (Submitted on January 16, 2010, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas.)
Photographed by Keith Peterson, September 30, 2007
2. Saint Mary’s Cathedral and Marker
Photographed by Keith Peterson, September 30, 2007
3. Saint Mary’s Cathedral and Marker
The marker is to the left of the Cathedral, just above a gray car in this view.
Photographed by Keith Peterson, September 30, 2007
4. Saint Mary’s Cathedral
Photographed by Keith Peterson, September 30, 2007
5. Saint Mary’s Cathedral
Photographed by Keith Peterson, September 30, 2007
6. Saint Mary’s Cathedral Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2010, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,429 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 16, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 16, 2010, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
