O. Henry in Austin
historical marker
This historical marker in Austin, Travis County, commemorates William Sydney Porter, widely known by his pen name, O. Henry. He was born on September 11, 1862, and passed away on June 5, 1910. Porter moved to Texas in 1882, making Austin his home by 1884. During his years in Austin, Porter held various positions, including a draftsman for the Texas General Land Office and a bank teller. He also launched and published a humorous weekly periodical titled *The Rolling Stone*. Porter resided in Austin with his wife, Athol, and their daughter from 1893 to 1895. These experiences in Austin, encompassing his work and personal life, were formative and influenced many of his later short stories. He began writing under the O. Henry pseudonym while serving time in prison. The Texas Historical Commission erected this marker in 1974. This site highlights a pivotal period in the life of this influential American short story writer.