“Imagine a rooftop garden in 1912 Austin” The Littlefield Building plaque whispers stories of a bygone era. It stands as a testament to George Washington Littlefield a cattle rancher turned banker. Littlefield a Texan who arrived in 1850 from Mississippi made his fortune in ranching and cattle driving. He established the American National Bank in 1890. This wasn’t just any bank it included a Ladies’ Banking Department a progressive feature for its time.
The Littlefield Building itself is a stunning example of Beaux Arts Classical architecture. Architect C H Page Jr designed this masterpiece. It opened in 1912 boasting a rooftop garden. The bank occupied the ground floor. Littlefield spared no expense. He commissioned Tiffany’s of New York to create bronze bas-relief doors. Sculptor Daniel Webster brought the designs to life. These magnificent doors were later donated to the University of Texas. Littlefield was a major benefactor of the university.
This Littlefield Building wasn’t just about banking. It was a social hub. The rooftop garden became a popular spot for Austin’s elite. They gathered there to socialize. This rooftop garden was initially part of the original design. However Littlefield’s competitive spirit led him to add a ninth floor. He wanted to surpass his competitor’s building in height. The structure was incredibly strong. It could have supported at least four additional floors.
The plaque tells us much more than just names and dates. It speaks of ambition and vision. Littlefield’s success wasn’t just about money. It was about leaving a legacy. This building is part of that legacy. The Littlefield Building stands as a symbol of Austin’s growth. It is a reminder of the city’s rich past. It continues to stand proudly. Its story is one of growth. It’s a story of remarkable architecture. It’s also a story of a man who had a vision. A vision that transformed a city. A vision that is immortalized in this plaque.