Cedar Park in Williamson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Granite for the State Capitol

Photographed By Keith Peterson, December 27, 2009

1. Granite for the State Capitol Marker

Inscription.

In the 1880s, the arrival of the railroad helped develop western Williamson County and contributed to the construction of a new state capitol. When quarried limestone proved deficient for the new statehouse, contractors chose granite from Burnet County outcroppings. The Austin and Northwestern Railroad, which ran through this area and established Brueggerhoff (Cedar Park) and Leander, extended to the Granite Mountain quarry site in 1885. More than 4,000 flatcars passed through here in 1886-87, carrying the large blocks of pink granite to Austin. Three dozen blocks that tumbled off the tracks were left in the creekbed, since the state obtained its building stone free of charge. The Texas State Capitol was completed in 1888.

Erected 2008 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14310.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 30° 30.257′ N, 97° 47.084′ W. Marker is in Cedar Park, Texas, in Williamson County. Marker can be reached from Brushy Creek Road (County Road 174). Can be accessed from park on Brushy Creek Road just west of Parmer Lane. Follow trail west under railroad bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Austin TX 78717, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

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are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Cedar Chopping in Central Texas (approx. 1.4 miles away); Champion Cemetery (approx. 1.7 miles away); Cedar Park Cemetery (approx. 2.4 miles away); Pond Springs Cemetery (approx. 2½ miles away); Cedar Park (approx. 2.6 miles away); Wilson-Leonard Brushy Creek Burial Site (approx. 2.6 miles away); New Hope First Baptist Church and Cemetery (approx. 3.6 miles away); Cypress School (approx. 4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cedar Park.

Photographed By Keith Peterson, December 27, 2009

2. Granite for the State Capitol Marker

Photographed By Keith Peterson, December 27, 2009

3. Granite for the State Capitol Marker

View looking west.

Photographed By Keith Peterson, December 27, 2009

4. Granite for the State Capitol Marker

View looking east

Granite for the State Capitol image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith Peterson, December 27, 2009

5. Granite for the State Capitol

Several massive granite blocks remain in Brushy Creek, the result of a train wreck, "undisturbed just as they fell in the late 1880's."

Information Board image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith Peterson, December 27, 2009

6. Information Board

Details construction of the capitol building.

Photographed By Keith Peterson, December 27, 2009

7. Information Board

Detailing the Northwestern Railroad and granite quarry.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,036 times since then and 195 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 27, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.