Pleasant Hill

One of the earliest freedom communities near Austin, Pleasant Hill was located east of Waller Creek and was bounded by East 11th Street, East 7th Street, and San Marcos Street—just uphill from the French Legation. Archivist Michelle Mears suggests that the area may have started as a “squatters camp” with a couple of makeshift shelters and shanties. Though there are no recorded details of its initial formation the community is believed to have taken shape around 1875 eventually evolving into a couple dozen wood-framed houses and hand-dug wells.

Information provided by the African-American Settlement Survey Travis County, Texas prepared by prepared by Hicks & Company Elizabeth Porterfield, MSHP for Travis County Historical Commission.

This information was supplemented by archivist at the University of North Texas, Michelle Mears, from her book And Grace Will Lead Me Home African American Freedmen Communities of Austin, Texas, 1865-1928.

We recognize that this research is ongoing, drawing extensively from historical documents, archives, and oral histories passed down through generations. 

Given the evolving nature of information, it is important to note that details may change. And while inaccuracies may arise, we actively strive to update our records as we acquire new knowledge.