Overlooking Austin, Texas, from the west, the former Texas Military Institute (TMI) building known locally as "The Castle" is still the most impressive structure near South Lamar. Surrounded by mansions and trendy corrugated steel shopping centers, it represents a time in Austin's history when anything west of Shoal Creek was considered "out of town."
Currently owned and occupied by real estate developers the Castle's beginnings read like a modern tale of city-sponsored incentives to reel in big employers. The city of Austin courted the Bastrop Military Institute with a building fund of $10,000 in gold. The city leaders successfully enticed them to relocate to the hilltop off Blanco Street in 1870, where the school was renamed the Texas Military Institute.
The 32-acre campus opened in 1872 with accommodations for 400 students of literature, the sciences, and military arts. Students paid $375 per academic year for tuition, board, and fees, according to the Texas State Historical Association. All the boys were required to live on campus.
The main building's unique Gothic architecture made it the dominant structure in the area. The hilltop it graces was dubbed "Castle Hill" in its honor. Many local businesses have found it convenient to adopt the name, including the Castle Hill Cafe.
The TMI closed in 1880, and from 1880-1884. The Castle stood empty. Then, from 1884 to 1887, it was home to Jacob Bickler's Texas German and English Academy, according to the historical marker on site. Not only is the building a beautiful example of architecture, it is an Austin Historical Landmark, and also the oldest existing college building in Texas, according to the Old West Austin Neighborhood Association.
The property is private and not open to the public.
Inscription:
Founded in 1868 in Bastrop, the Texas Military Institute moved to Austin in 1870. The same year, this Victorian “Castle” was built to serve as headquarters for the young men’s preparatory school. Prominently sited on top of a hill in view of the Capitol, the structure was owned by the Texas Military Institute until the school formally closed in 1880. From 1884 until 1887, the TMI Castle was the site of Jacob Bickler’s Texas German and English Academy.
Erected:
1962
Handicapped Accessibility:
The Castle can be seen from your vehicle. Due to the security gates, access to see the marker itself is limited. The marker is inaccessible as the Castle is the private office is behind security gates.
Location:
1111 W. 11th St
Austin, TX 78703
View Larger Map
What do think about this attraction?
Currently owned and occupied by real estate developers the Castle's beginnings read like a modern tale of city-sponsored incentives to reel in big employers. The city of Austin courted the Bastrop Military Institute with a building fund of $10,000 in gold. The city leaders successfully enticed them to relocate to the hilltop off Blanco Street in 1870, where the school was renamed the Texas Military Institute.
The 32-acre campus opened in 1872 with accommodations for 400 students of literature, the sciences, and military arts. Students paid $375 per academic year for tuition, board, and fees, according to the Texas State Historical Association. All the boys were required to live on campus.
The main building's unique Gothic architecture made it the dominant structure in the area. The hilltop it graces was dubbed "Castle Hill" in its honor. Many local businesses have found it convenient to adopt the name, including the Castle Hill Cafe.
The TMI closed in 1880, and from 1880-1884. The Castle stood empty. Then, from 1884 to 1887, it was home to Jacob Bickler's Texas German and English Academy, according to the historical marker on site. Not only is the building a beautiful example of architecture, it is an Austin Historical Landmark, and also the oldest existing college building in Texas, according to the Old West Austin Neighborhood Association.
The property is private and not open to the public.
 |
| photo by Kevin Surbaugh |
Inscription:
Founded in 1868 in Bastrop, the Texas Military Institute moved to Austin in 1870. The same year, this Victorian “Castle” was built to serve as headquarters for the young men’s preparatory school. Prominently sited on top of a hill in view of the Capitol, the structure was owned by the Texas Military Institute until the school formally closed in 1880. From 1884 until 1887, the TMI Castle was the site of Jacob Bickler’s Texas German and English Academy.
Erected:
1962
 |
| photo by Kevin Surbaugh |
Handicapped Accessibility:
The Castle can be seen from your vehicle. Due to the security gates, access to see the marker itself is limited. The marker is inaccessible as the Castle is the private office is behind security gates.
Location:
1111 W. 11th St
Austin, TX 78703
View Larger Map
What do think about this attraction?
No comments:
Post a Comment