“Imagine building a house with walls 18 inches thick.” That’s what Charles Johnson, a Swedish immigrant, did back in 1858 when he built The Johnson Home. Right here, at 2201-1/2 Lake Austin Boulevard, once stood his impressive two-story home. The Johnson Home wasn’t just a home; it was a testament to Johnson’s determination and skill. He quarried the limestone himself from his property in Deep Eddy, even using his own lime kiln for the construction. He built it with the help of fellow Swedish immigrants. The home originally had two wings joined by a breezy, open stone-paved passage, and it overlooked the Colorado River. Can you imagine that view? The land spanned an impressive 39 3/4 acres. Over the years, The Johnson Home transformed. By 1924, it became the permanent residence of the Travis Post 76, American Legion. They enclosed the open breezeway, added a long porch with six stately columns, and the house became a symbol of service. Today, only a plaque marks the spot, but the legacy of The Johnson Home lives on, a reminder of the Swedish stonemason who helped build Austin, brick by brick.
Longhorn Point
The shoreline whispers stories of erosion. Longhorn Point stands firm a testament to resilience. It’s a place where the Colorado