Downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Bremond Block Historic District

Photographed by James Hulse, February 22, 2025

1. Bremond Block Historic District Marker

Inscription. The Bremond Block Historic District was named for the family of early Austin merchant John Bremond, Sr., who came to Austin in 1845 and established a store in 1847. His son Eugene founded the State National Bank and son John Jr. ran the Bremond family store. Together they shaped the Bremond District beginning in the 1860s when they acquired land on one of the most naturally beautiful blocks in the original city. High above the Colorado River in this setting of live oaks, Eugene's vision of a family compound was realized. The 19th-century residences built here ranged from modest Greek Revival dwellings to high Victorian mansions, reflecting economic changes in the family as well as in Austin. The block of family homes originally spilled over into neighboring blocks where business associates and relatives also lived. Since Eugene and two of his siblings married into the family of another early merchant, John Robinson, Sr., the Robinson family history is also woven into the Bremond District.

Nearby 19th-century dwellings enrich and complement the architectural and cultural significance of the Bremond Historic District.
Entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

Erected by City

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of Austin.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1845.

Location. 30° 16.25′ N, 97° 44.747′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Downtown Austin. It is at the intersection of West 8th Street and Guadalupe Street, on the right when traveling east on West 8th Street. The marker is located at the corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 1/2 W 8th St, 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: Phillips-Bremond-Houston House (here, next to this marker); Ira Hobart Evans (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct

Photographed by James Hulse, February 22, 2025

2. Bremond Block Historic District Marker

The marker is located next to the Phillips-Bremond-Houston House

line); 1933 Austin Public Library (about 300 feet away); North-Evans Chateau (about 300 feet away); Austin Woman’s Club (about 400 feet away); James T. Brown House (about 400 feet away); Eugene Bremond House (about 400 feet away); Austin's Moonlight Towers (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 185 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 24, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.