(November 11, 1872 - September 29, 1929)

A far-sighted businessman who contributed much to the development of South Texas, Preston Rose Austin was born in Harrison County and grew up in Victoria County. After achieving prominence as a stock raiser, Austin became a partner in the Refugio Land and Irrigation Company, which acquired large landholdings in this area in 1902. Austin conducted a series of agricultural experiments and determined that the land was best suited to raising cotton. The company divided the property into small cotton farms for sale to German and Bohemian farmers.

Austin then founded two market towns to serve the settlers. The townsite of Tivoli was platted in 1907 by J.W. Ward. Austwell, named for Austin and one of his partners, Jesse McDowell of Pennsylvania, was platted in 1912 by L.A. Gueringer. The company provided each community with a church, school, store, hotel, and cotton gin and mill, as well as modern conveniences such as electricity and a telephone system. Austin and his associates also financed a branch line of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, which connected Tivoli and Austwell with Victoria when it was completed in 1912. Austin's energetic ventures resulted in extensive settlement of northern Refugio County.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Tivoli, TX  |  Refugio County  |  77990  |  Texas  |  United States of America

Original Mission Refugio
Green Lake
Cotton Gins of Calhoun County
Battle of Norris Bridge
Calhoun County Hurricanes
Calhoun County Participation During World War II
Howard Gallemore Hartzog, Sr.
Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse
Port Lavaca
Zimmerman Cemetery

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.