Site of Robson's Castle and Columbus, Texas, Meat and Ice Company

Robert Robson (1804-1878), one of many Scotsmen seeking fortune in North America, came to the Texas Republic in 1839. On land he owned at this site, he built a concrete "castle," using native lime and gravel. It had running water, pumped from the Colorado into a tank on th roof, then through wooden pipes to its many rooms. It also had a roof garden and an encircling moat, with drawbridge. From Bastrop to Matagorda, it drew guests to Champagne suppers, card parties, and balls. Undermined by an 1869 flood, it became a ruin and was razed when site was put to new use in 1880s. Columbus, Texas, Meat & Ice Company built its 3-story plant on this site in 1884. It was then one of three packing houses in Texas. Established to process at place of origin, the plant could handle 125 cattle a day. Some of its beef went to Queen Victoria's London. Robert E. Stafford (1834-1890), a wealthy trail driver and rancher, veteran of Civil War service with famous Hood's Texas Brigade, owner of a private bank and extensive Colorado County properties, was president, and major stockholder in the packing house. In the early 1890s, after Stafford died, the plant closed. (1973)

Site of Robson's Castle and Columbus, Texas, Meat and Ice Company is a historical marker in Columbus, Colorado County, dedicated in 1973. It is one of 110 historical markers documented in Colorado County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 129 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.7144, -96.5472 near Columbus. The nearest cataloged historic site is Youens-Hopkins House (historical marker), about 0.3 miles away. Others within a short drive include Simpson-Williamson House, Keith-Traylor House, and Maigne-Walther House.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5089004310. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.