10,000 years of stories, told here.
Indigenous artifacts, New Deal construction crews, a segregated Barton Springs, an ancient aquifer, and a few floods worth of drama along the way — the full, unvarnished history of Austin's most beloved park.
We've been digging through the archives.
Buckle up. Zilker Park has 10,000 years of stories to tell. We've been digging through the archives, and what we found is fascinating: rare photos, primary sources, and the full history of the park — organized into a sweeping timeline from the first inhabitants to today. The complete stories will be told here soon.
From the first inhabitants to today
Sacred springs
For thousands of years, the waters at Barton Springs have drawn people to gather. The springs are sacred to Indigenous peoples, and Indigenous artifacts trace a presence here long before any name appeared on a map.
A mill at the springs
As Austin grew around it, the spring-fed creek powered a mill at Barton Springs — one chapter in the site's long working history.
Andrew Zilker's gift
Andrew Zilker begins donating the land surrounding Barton Springs to the City of Austin, with the wish that it “ought to belong to all the people of Austin.”
Officially named Zilker Park
The park is formally named Zilker Park in honor of its benefactor.
New Deal hands
Depression-era public works crews shaped much of the park we know — dams, structures, and the landscaped grounds, including the Sunken Garden.
A segregated Barton Springs
For much of the 20th century, Barton Springs was segregated. The park's fuller, unvarnished story includes the long fight for belonging and equal access to its waters.
Historic district
The Zilker Park Historic District is established, recognizing the park's enduring landscape and significance.
Telling the full story
Zilker 351 is digging through the archives — rare photos and primary sources — to share the full history of Austin's most beloved park, from the first inhabitants to today.
Rare photos, a century and more apart
A first look at the images we're gathering — from a mill at the springs to water-gathering ceremonies that continue today.
A park that belongs to everyone
Zilker 351 works to tell the inclusive history of the park — histories of access, belonging, and community — to create a more welcoming environment for everyone. It's a story still being researched, shared, and honored.
Help honor the full story of Zilker
Support Zilker 351's work to research, share, and celebrate the inclusive history of the park — and to keep it welcoming for every Austinite.