Details for Site of Abney Plunge

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5281013033

Data

Marker Number 13033
Atlas Number 5281013033
Marker Title Site of Abney Plunge
Index Entry Abney Plunge, Site of
Address
City Lampasas
County Lampasas
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 577927
UTM Northing 3437598
Subject Codes parks; water topics
Marker Year 2003
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location NW cor. Chestnut Street at Avenue B
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 18" x 28"
Marker Text In 1902, local businessmen hired the American Drilling Co. to dtill for oil at this site on W.B. Abney's property. Early the next year, the crew struck sulphur water, which was noted for having medicinal qualities. They also found sources of salt and surface water. On several occasions, water stopped flowing at Abney's well. A new well was drilled next to the old well in 1926, and the following year Abney and his son built the Abney swimming pool. The large pool, known as Abney's Plunge, became a popular attraction for residents and visitors each year. The school district bought the property in 1937 and used the pool for many years until converting the site into a play area in 1954. (2004)

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