Schneider Flour House & Vault
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Jean Schneider built a structure at the northwest corner of Guadalupe and Live Oak (later 2nd) streets circa 1860, with the intention of establishing a brewery. His death in 1862 prevented the opening of the business. Jean’s son, Jacob Peter, and his widow, Margarita, opened a store circa 1870 at the same location, and a stone “vault” built by Jean as part of the foundation was used for storage. The Schneider’s built a new store across the street in 1873, and the old store became known as the “Flour House” and was used for storage. A tunnel was later built under 2nd Street, connecting the two buildings. Although the original Schneider store no longer exists, the underground “Vault” remains. (2009)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Around 1860 Jean Schneider built a stone structure at Guadalupe and Live Oak (later 2nd) streets in Austin, meaning to open a brewery, but his death in 1862 ended those plans. His widow and son opened a store there around 1870, using a stone "vault" from the foundation for storage, then built a new store across the street in 1873 linked by an underground tunnel. Though the original store is gone, that buried vault survives.
Why it matters
The vault and tunnel are a rare physical trace of Austin's early German merchant families and the small-scale commerce of the frontier capital.
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Related people
- · Jean Schneider
Themes & tags
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