North Austin News

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department, along with city officials and the family of William Walsh, will host an unveiling ceremony for the Walsh Boat Landing Interpretive Marker. The event is scheduled for Sunday, March 23, at 11 a.m. at the Walsh Boat Landing located at 1600 Scenic Drive. The public is invited to attend this outdoor park event to commemorate the contributions and legacy of William Walsh.

The boat landing was dedicated to William Walsh in 1957 as part of his homestead. He held significant land holdings along the Colorado River, which now includes areas like Tarrytown and Davenport Ranch.

William Walsh was originally from Limerick and County Kerry in Ireland. He emigrated during the Great Famine and served in the British Navy before moving to the United States just before the Civil War. In America, he joined the Union Navy and later helped construct federal forts in Texas, including Fort McKavett and Fort Clark.

Walsh was instrumental in producing lime used for building structures across Texas. His company established lime kilns in Austin, Round Rock, and McNeil, making him one of Texas's largest lime manufacturers during peak operations.

In addition to supplying materials for numerous buildings, including notable ones such as the Texas State Capitol, St. Edward’s University, and St. Mary’s Cathedral in Austin, Walsh's lime gained recognition for its quality by winning a Gold Medal at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.

All are welcome to join this commemoration dressed comfortably for an outdoor setting.