Picture this a weathered limestone house a relic of a bygone era. This is the Carrington Bluff House plaque. It stands proudly marking the spot where a piece of Austin’s history unfolds. The plaque tells the story of the Carrington-Covert House a pre-Civil War structure one of the few survivors from that time.
Built between 1855 and 1857 it was the home of Leonidas D Carrington his wife Martha and their five children. Imagine the sounds of their laughter the scent of woodsmoke filling the air. Leonidas a successful merchant and land speculator built this house not long after Austin was founded. It was a testament to his success a beautiful home made of rough limestone ashlar.
For years the house served many purposes. It was a family home then it became the Texas Eye Ear and Throat Hospital a clinic dedicated to charity care. The Covert family lived there from 1903 to 1936. They started the first car dealership in central Texas. Can you picture the rumble of those early automobiles near this very spot? It’s quite astonishing to think that family business is still running today in Austin.
The plaque is more than just a marker. It’s a window into Austin’s past. It connects us to the Carrington and Covert families. Their lives their struggles their triumphs are etched in the stones of this house. The State of Texas purchased the house in 1968. The Texas Historical Commission restored it meticulously in 1972. They carefully excavated the site unearthing more secrets from the past.
This plaque serves as a reminder of how much the city has changed. Yet it also stands as a testament to the endurance of this remarkable building. It survived wars booms and busts. It has weathered countless storms literally and figuratively. The Carrington Bluff House plaque is a tribute to perseverance a symbol of Austin’s enduring spirit. The plaque stands as a lasting legacy a reminder of the rich history that lies beneath our feet.