Feel the cool Texas air. This is Deep Eddy Bathing Beach. This unassuming plaque holds a century of splashes laughter and history.
Deep Eddy began as a natural swimming hole a deep eddy in the Colorado River. Swedish immigrants the Johnsons settled nearby in the 1850s. Their children opened Deep Eddy Resort in 1902. They named it for that swirling deep hole in the river.
The resort thrived. It boasted campsites picnic areas rental cottages even a cable ride into the river. A.J. Eilers bought the park in 1915. He built the iconic concrete pool transforming Deep Eddy into Deep Eddy Bathing Beach.
Imagine the 1920s. Hundreds flocked to Deep Eddy. Silent movies a Ferris wheel a carousel a diving horse show! There was even a trapeze swing over the water a 70-foot slide and a 50-foot diving tower. It was a carnival by the river.
Then came 1935. The city of Austin bought Deep Eddy for $10000. Two weeks later a devastating flood hit. The flood swept away everything. It filled the pool with debris.
But Austin rebuilt. The Works Progress Administration helped. Deep Eddy reopened in 1936. It became a beloved public pool. It’s a testament to resilience a symbol of Austin’s spirit.
Deep Eddy continues to delight. The water remains spring-fed and unchlorinated. It’s a unique treasure a place to cool off and make memories. This plaque is a gateway to that history. It’s a reminder of a place where generations have played and refreshed. So take a moment soak in the history. Then go take a dip in Deep Eddy. It’s an Austin experience you won’t soon forget.