Wooldridge Square Park

Have you ever wondered what stood here before this park? Wooldridge Square Park, as it’s known today, has a fascinating story. This park, located at 900 Guadalupe Street, is one of four original public squares designated in downtown Austin. It was planned by Edwin Waller in 1839. The city pretty much ignored the square for the rest of the 19th century. But in 1909, it felt a new wave of civic pride. Austin Mayor Alexander Penn Wooldridge launched efforts to clean the square and build a gazebo. Wooldridge Square Park was formally dedicated on June 18, 1909. It was the only one of these four original squares to keep its original function. The rest were repurposed. They housed parking lots, a fire station, a church, a museum, and even businesses. The view from the park of the Texas State Capitol is protected by law. It’s been that way since 1983. Wooldridge Square Park has seen some big historical events. In 1911, Texas Governor Colquitt began the tradition of launching his political campaign from this park. Many governors followed suit. The park was a place for important speeches. It became known as a place where politicians and great orators could connect with the public. In 1911, Booker T. Washington spoke here. This was after he was not allowed to speak on the floor of the Texas Legislature because of the color of his skin. In 1928, Minnie Fisher Cunningham, who was a leader in the fight for women’s rights, launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate from Wooldridge Square, the first woman ever to do so in Texas. Wooldridge Square Park is more than just a park, it’s a place of history, a place that reminds us of important struggles and progress, and it’s a place for people to gather and connect. Now, let’s move on to the next point of interest.