Round Rock History Series: Harris Old Stagecoach Inn Relocation Anniversary
April brings more than showers for May flowers.
For those of us involved with Round Rock Preservation (RRP), April reminds us of the anniversary of the relocation of the historic Round Rock Stagecoach Inn. In 2018 (April 27-29 specifically), after years of advocacy and months of preparation and stabilization of the Inn, H. D. Snow & Sons, Movers, inched the 100-ton limestone building from its original home at 901 Round Rock Avenue, a mere 1,000 feet north along Chisholm Trail Road to its new home at 750 Chisholm Trail Road. Crowds gathered and cheered, Round Rock Avenue was closed for its passage north, and cameras flashed, capturing the historic moments.
Picture compliments of Round Rock Preservation
It is indeed an historic structure and was deemed so by the State of Texas and designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1963, thanks to the efforts of Laura and Don Davol, the owners of the Inn at that time. However, that designation was revoked in 1995 due to inappropriate changes made to the roof and windows by later owners. Therefore, the Inn had no protection to safeguard it from demolition. The work of RRP and the commitment of City leaders to save the Inn prevailed.
Moving Day
Video courtesy of the City of Round Rock website
In 2012, the Round Rock Stagecoach Inn, built by J.J. Harris between 1848-1853 and believed to be the oldest limestone structure in Round Rock, was threatened with demolition because it stood in the direct path of the proposed RM620 Road Safety Project. For six years leading up to the move, the City of Round Rock worked to determine if it was economically feasible and safe to relocate the Inn. Feasibility studies were conducted, and eventually, a contractor was selected. RRP began fundraising activities to raise money for the rehabilitation of the structure. The culmination of these initial efforts was the actual move over the course of three days.
In preparation for the move the Inn was reinforced and stabilized. In addition, the rocks from the iconic dry-stack wall that owners, Harold and Sue Richards, constructed in the 1940s were moved to the new site. They have been incorporated into the rock wall that surrounds the Inn on the grounds of the Chisholm Trail Crossing Park.
The Inn was prepared for the mothballed phase later in 2018, awaiting funds for rehabilitation. Delays occurred from 2020 to 2023 due to pandemic constraints, increased construction costs, and supply chain difficulties. At long last, in 2023, a new contractor was selected and rehabilitation began.
January 25, 2024, marked the installation of a Historic Marker by the City Historic Preservation Office at the original site of the Round Rock Stagecoach Inn, 901 Round Rock Avenue. From this site one can look across the RM620 improvements to the north toward Brushy Creek and imagine what that view was like in 1848 at the time the Inn was constructed from limestone quarried on that site.
Picture compliments of Judy Anderson, President, RRP
The Reopening
A grand reopening of the Inn was held October 19, 2024, on the grounds at Chisholm Trail Crossing Park with a “Come and Go Open House” tour of the rehabilitated Inn. This beautiful historic structure, housed with memories and stories of the past, stands as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving our past for future generations to cherish and enjoy. It is dedicated to the memory of all those who built, owned, cared for, and lived there, shaping Round Rock into what it is today.
Visit the Stagecoach Inn
Guest author: Judy Anderson, President, Round Rock Preservation
This Round the Rock series is brought to you by Round Rock Preservation, an IRS 501c3 Nonprofit Charity established for charitable & educational purposes. (EIN: 81-2339800).
The mission of Round Rock Preservation is to fulfill the need for a city-wide community advocacy program related to protecting, preserving, and supporting historic preservation within the City of Round Rock. Lectures and presentations are available.
For more info, contact Frank Darr, Vice President, at fdarr@austin.rr.com.
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