The University of Texas System

Built during the period 1877-1881 as a federal courthouse and post office, this was the sixth United States Post Office location in Austin, dating from the establishment of the first post office in Austin in 1840. The building was constructed by Abner Cook, famed early Texas builder, at a cost of $200,000. James G. Hill of the U.S. Treasury Department was the supervising architect. Following construction of the new post office at 210 West Sixth Street in 1912-1914, the building continued to be used as a courthouse and later for miscellaneous federal agencies until 1968. Given to the University of Texas system by the federal government, the building was restored by the university in 1971 and named O. Henry Hall after William Sydney Porter, a noted American short story writer whose pseudonym was O. Henry and whose trial was held here in the federal courthouse. Architecturally, the building is considered to be of national significance because of its exact symmetry and pure lines apparently inspired by the design of Italian high renaissance palaces popular in the late 1870's. Compared to typical architectural design of federal courthouses in this period, this building is unique both in Texas and the nation.

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:  Austin, TX  |  Travis County  |  78701  |  Texas  |  United States of America

Claudia Taylor Johnson Hall
Norwood Tower
Scarbrough Building
Original Site of First Presbyterian Church
Littlefield Building
Stephen F. Austin Hotel
Paramount Theatre
Offices Of The War Department And The Adjutant General Historical
Openheimer-Montgomery Building
Southwestern Telegraph & Telephone Building

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

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