Swedish Hill
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Residential development of this area began in the 1870s when a number of Swedish immigrants erected homes near their downtown businesses. Initially bounded by Red River, 14th, 18th, and Navasota streets, the neighborhood became known as Svenska Kullen (Swedish Hill). A Swedish Methodist and other Swedish churches were built in the area, which was later divided by the interstate highway. A number of historic houses remain in the section of Swedish Hill that is east of the interstate. the neighborhood was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Beginning in the 1870s, Swedish immigrants built homes near their downtown Austin businesses on a rise that became known as Svenska Kullen, or Swedish Hill. A Swedish Methodist congregation and other Swedish churches took root in the neighborhood, which was later cut through by the interstate highway. Historic houses still stand in the section east of the freeway, and the neighborhood was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
Why it matters
Swedish Hill preserves the imprint of Scandinavian immigration on central Texas, a reminder of the many national communities that built the capital city.
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Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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