​Barton Springs

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Marker Text: ​​Clear and icy, these springs over the years have drawn Indians, pioneers, and tourists to this spot. The waters are brought from limestone strata to the surface by the Balcones Fault, which bisects central Texas, average flow is 27,000,000 gallons daily.
          During 1730-173, Spanish friars located three missions here (see marker, SE side of pool), colorful settler William "Uncle Billy"  Barton patented for his daughters Parthenia and Eliza. His two tame baby buffaloes soon began to attract sight-seers to his place, in spite of constant danger from Indian attacks.
          As the place gained in popularity, one astute Austin merchant installed a merry-go-round here and rented bathing suits to swimmers. In 1871 he and several others built ice-making machines at the springs. In addition, flour mills, sawmills, and a quarry appeared along the creek banks.
         About 1875 the riverboat "sunbeam ran excisions to Barton's at 50 cents a round trip. At one period a ferry was located here on a main road to Austin.
          Between 1901 and 1913 A.J. Zilker, leading merchant, bought this land and in 1918 and 1931 deeded it to the people of Austin for use as a park. (1970)

Marker No: 6443

Aluminum 27 x 42 Subject Marker

National Register of Historic Places

Geographic: 30.264069,-97.770859

Location: ​Barton Springs Drive, at entrance to pool house, Austin