Right here, etched in bronze, is the F. Weigl Iron Works Plaque. It tells a tale of family, craftsmanship, and Texas grit. This plaque commemorates more than just an ironworks. It celebrates the Weigl family’s journey from Bavaria to Austin.
In 1913, Fortunat Weigl Sr. sought a better life. He left Germany with his wife Anna and their sons, Lee and Herbert. They packed their belongings and boarded the SS Breslau. The Weigls loved stories of the Wild West. This love led them to Texas.
Arriving at Ellis Island, they had only twenty dollars. The family traveled south to Galveston. Finally, they arrived in Austin by train. Fortunat worked in construction until 1922. Peter Mansbedel, a Swiss woodcarver, approached him then. Mansbedel needed iron wall fixtures for a San Marcos project. He advanced Fortunat $75.38. This covered tools, coal, and flat iron.
Fortunat used $20 as a down payment. Weigl Iron Works was born in Austin. The business initially struggled with its lease. Mayor Tom Miller helped Fortunat find cheap property. He warned of a “big hole in the ground.” Fortunat didn’t hesitate. He invested in land on Red River. He filled the hole with materials from the State Capital’s rebuilding. In 1935, the Weigl operation found a new home.
Disaster struck shortly after their opening. On June 5, 1935, a massive flood hit Austin. The Weigls cut floorboards to remove mud. These cutouts remain. They are covered with Iron Works license plates. Flood scars mark the walls. The words “Flood Stage, June 5, 1935” are written above them.
Fortunat and his sons built beautiful ironworks. These works are still present throughout Texas. Lee Weigl made the weather vane on the Iron Works roof in 1922. He was only 13. The weather vane has never been lubricated. It showcases his ingenuity. Weigl craftsmanship graces the State Capital. It also embellishes Texas A&M University and Laguna Gloria Art Museum. Many historical homes around Austin display their work too. Lady Bird Johnson admired the Weigls’ art. Lee fashioned a repousse mask of President Lyndon B. Johnson for her.
After Fortunat’s death in 1973, Lee and Herbert continued the business. They retired in 1977. They created pieces for celebrities like Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, and Bob Hope.
Today, the F. Weigl Iron Works Plaque stands as a testament. It reflects the Weigl family’s resilience and artistry. It reminds us of their contribution to Texas history. In 1978, the Iron Works was converted into a Barbecue restaurant. The State Historical Commission registered the property as a historical site. This honored the Weigls and their legacy. The red tin building is now a unique piece of Texas history. It’s a place where barbecue and history intertwine. The F. Weigl Iron Works Plaque commemorates their enduring impact on Austin.