U.S. Post Office and Federal Building, Austin, Texas
historic place
The U.S. Post Office and Federal Building in Austin, Travis County, is a significant historic place. Constructed between 1877 and 1881, this building originally served as both a federal courthouse and a post office. Designed by James G. Hill and built by Abner Cook, its Renaissance architectural style was inspired by Italian high Renaissance palaces. The construction cost was approximately $200,000. In February 1898, the building hosted the trial of William Sydney Porter, later known as the short story writer O. Henry, who was convicted of embezzlement here. The post office relocated to a larger facility between 1912 and 1914, but the building continued to house federal agencies and the U.S. District Court until 1936. In 1968, the University of Texas System acquired the property. Following restoration in 1971, it was renamed O. Henry Hall. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 25, 1970. A historical marker was erected in 1974 by the Texas Historical Commission. This site reflects the evolving role of federal services and notable legal history in Austin.