Saint Mary's Cathedral

In 1851 the Catholics of Austin wrote to the Most Rev. John M. Odin (1801-1871), first bishop of Texas: “This City s improving rapidly and our intentions are to build a church . . .if we can get a clergyman to stay among us.” Father Michael Sheehan was sent. Soon a small church was built on the corner of Ash (Ninth) and Brazos Streets. The new parish was called Saint Patrick’s, but the name was changed to Saint Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception in 1866. In 1874, at the invitation of Bishop Claude M. DeBuis, the Holy Cross priests, brothers, and sisters from Notre Dame, Indiana, came to Austin to establish a school (now Saint Edward’s University), and to serve at St. Mary’s – as they have now (1977) done for over a century. Upon their arrival, the present church, designed by architect Nicholas Clayton of Galveston, was built of native limestone. It was dedicated in 1884. The 2000-pound bell first tolled from the tower in July 4, 1886. The stained glass windows from Germany and France were added in the 1890s. Saint Mary’s was designated the cathedral for the newly-established Diocese of Austin in 1947. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark -- 1977

Saint Mary's Cathedral is a historical marker in Austin, Travis County, dedicated in 1977. It is one of 336 historical markers documented in Travis County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 641 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.2712, -97.7398 near Austin. The nearest cataloged historic site is Millett Opera House (historic place), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include 1918 State Office Building and 1933 State Highway Building, Texas Highway Department, and Old Land Office Building.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507014676. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.