Here at the Splitrock Plaque, stories whisper from the past. This plaque commemorates Splitrock. It is also known as the Burns-Klein House. The house was built in 1893. A Scottish immigrant named Robert F. Burns built it. He settled here overlooking Shoal Creek. Imagine this area back then. It predates many local roads. Access to the house was primarily from Shoal Creek.
A trail once led from the house. It went down to the creek. The trail passed a remarkable rock formation. This was the “Split Rock” itself. It was a huge boulder. The boulder was split into two pieces. It formed a canyon. The canyon was approximately forty feet deep. The distinctive song of canyon wrens still echoes here.
At the base of this topographic feature, a spring still flows. It feeds a pool of water. This pool was once called Split Rock Hole. The pool was a popular swimming hole. Remnants can still be seen from the Janet Fish bridge. Further along the creek was Dog Town. There was also the famed Blue Hole. It was another beloved swimming place. Generations of Austinites enjoyed it.
Thomas F. Burns bought 3.75 acres here in 1891. He purchased land along Shoal Creek’s west bank. In 1876, Burns married Arbanna J. Nelson. Property records suggest the house dates to around 1892. Thomas, Arbanna, and their six children lived here in 1900. Thomas worked as a stone cutter. He also owned a marble shop. In 1901, he added another acre to his homestead. His son, Frank C. Burns, owned the Capitol City Marble Co.
Splitrock stands as a testament to Austin’s past. It was designated a City of Austin Historic Landmark in 2006. It is a contributing property. It contributes to the Old West Austin National Register Historic District. The Texas Historical Commission placed this marker here in 2013. It ensures Splitrock’s story continues. So let’s appreciate the history held within this place.