Join Austin Parks and Recreation, City officials, and the family of William Walsh for the Walsh Boat Landing Interpretive Marker Unveiling on Sunday, March 23, at 11 a.m. at Walsh Boat Landing, 1600 Scenic Dr. All are welcome to share in this commemoration of a true pioneer, celebrate his contributions, and recognize his remarkable legacy. This is an outdoor park event, so please dress comfortably. 

The William Walsh Boat Landing, dedicated in his honor in 1957, was once part of the Walsh homestead. He had substantial land holdings along the Colorado River, including much of today’s Tarrytown and Davenport Ranch.

William Walsh grew up in Limerick and County Kerry, Ireland, but left his home country during the Great Famine. Following several years of service in the British Navy, young William came to the U.S. just before the Civil War and joined the Union Navy. Afterward, he assisted in building federal forts in Texas, including Fort McKavett and Fort Clark, among others.

Walsh produced lime for structures throughout Texas, establishing lime kilns in Austin, Round Rock, and McNeil. Walsh was one of the largest lime manufacturers in Texas during its peak operations.

In the late 1800s, his company supplied stone and lime to buildings, including the Texas State Capitol, St. Edward’s University, and St. Mary’s Cathedral in Austin. Known for its purity, Walsh’s lime won the Gold Medal at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.