Waller Creek

By the 1870s a freedom community developed along Waller Creek. Though they lacked an official designation, its boundaries were marked by Red River Street, Sabine Street, East 8th Street and East 13th Street. In 1876 a school was established in this area. The sole surviving structure from that era is a distinctive triangular-shaped building built in 1871 by Jeremiah Hamilton (see also: Red River Street community). Hamilton, who moved to Texas from Tennessee after emancipation, became one of the first Black men to serve in the Texas Legislature. The building is now a part of Austin’s Symphony Square facility. An Official Texas Historical Marker stands on the site commemorating Hamilton. The building also holds the distinction of being a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and as a City of Austin Local Historic Landmark.

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We recognize that this research is ongoing, drawing extensively from historical documents, archives, and oral histories passed down through generations.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