Brush Square Park

Last updated
Brush Square Park
O. Henry Pun-Off 2024.jpg
Brush Square Park
TypeUrban park
LocationEast Fifth and Trinity streets, Austin, Texas, U.S.
Coordinates 30°15′55″N97°44′21″W / 30.265295°N 97.739105°W / 30.265295; -97.739105
Area0.73 acres (0.30 ha)

Brush Square, also known as Brush Square Park, is an urban park located in downtown Austin, Texas. The park is adjacent to the Austin Convention Center and includes an event lawn and stage. The park also houses three historic buildings: the Susanna Dickinson Museum, O. Henry Museum, and Austin Central Fire Station #1. [1]

History

Brush Square was one of four original public squares laid out in the 1839 Waller Plan of Austin by Edwin Waller. Brush Square is named for Seba Bogart Brush, an Austin merchant who used the square to store cotton. [2] [3] The square has served various purposes over the years, including as an open market, railroad depot, cotton yard, and public plaza. [4]

In 2024, Brush Square Park was named a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Park Society. The designation recognizes parks in Texas that are at least 50 years old and have historic, architectural and/or natural significance to their communities. [5] [6]

Brush Square Park hosts various events, including the annual O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships, [7] and SXSW events and concerts. [8]

References

  1. ↑ Williams, Art (2016-10-14). "Brushing up on History". Texas Highways. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  2. ↑ "Brush Square Park | Austin, TX". www.austintexas.org. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  3. ↑ Holleran, Michael; Serovy, Dana (2008). Brush Square History and Design Study. Downtown Austin Alliance and Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association.
  4. ↑ Barnes, Michael (2015-08-29). "Historical park has slight identity crisis". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  5. ↑ "Lone Star Legacy Parks | Texas Recreation and Park Society" . Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  6. ↑ "Austin's historic Brush Square was named a 2024 Lone Star Legacy Park". Austin Monitor. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  7. ↑ Williams, Art (2017-04-17). "Pun, Pun, Pun". Texas Highways. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  8. ↑ Stith, Deborah Sengupta. "SXSW changes musician compensation package, but artist advocates ask, 'Is it enough?'". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
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