By Charles McClure
news@ltview.com
Historic Hamilton Pool has been placed on Preservation Texas, Inc.’s list of Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places.

The dubious designation comes on the heels of flood debris that damaged its delicate eco-system in 2007. Four silt-covered miles of creek bed, along with the iconic swimming hole left $2.3 million in damage to clean up, according to Victoria Harkins, a consultant hired by Travis County.
The Hill Country Alliance (HCA) said it was saddened to see the pool on the list, but realized it was a necessity.
“After the devastating storm water discharge of silt and sediment [in the summer of 2007] that choked Hamilton Creek and Hamilton Pool because of unchecked upstream development, I was sure that Hamilton Pool Preserve was the poster child for the most endangered place in texas,” said HCA board member Nell Penridge, who lives near Hamilton Pool.
Travis County officials allege the sediment came from the Ranches at Hamilton Pool, a development that will put 29 homes on about 1,221 acres. The county became alarmed in the summer of 2007 after observing large amounts of sediment in Hamilton Creek after extensive flooding in the Texas Hill Country.
The pollution problem prompted the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, along with Travis County to file lawsuits through the Texas Attorney General’s office against Rodman Excavation, Inc. and Coldwater Development, Ltd.
Hays County filed a separate lawsuit, according to Judge Elizabeth Sumter. But the developer said the company had met all its obligations under the rules set forth by Hays County.
According Sumter, Hays County did approved the subdivision. Later, voters swept the previous commissioners and county judge out of office. The new Hays County court has since strengthened its development rules, making its environmental standards more stringent. However, Sumter alleged that even if Hays County’s previous building codes were inadequate, the builders failed to follow state guidelines.
“The developer did not follow TCEQ’s rules and regulations in terms of sediment control,” Sumter said. “We also had an incredible amount of rain during that period. Hamilton Pool was impaired at that point. This new court has since moved forward with new controls.”
TCEQ and Travis County also allege the developers violated state laws aimed at silt control.
“This report was shocking to me,” Penridge said. “If no action is taken, Hamilton Pool as the ultimate receiving source for the silt and sediment from irresponsible upstream development, will likely become a mud hole.”
Penridge has since made it her mission to find a way to save Hamilton Pool. With the help of HCA and Hamilton Pool Road Scenic Corridor Coalition, she applied to Preservation Texas for the designation.
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural Hill Country feature in southwest Travis County, upstream from the confluence of Hamilton Creek and the Pedernales River. The pool occurs where Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings, creating a 50-foot waterfall that plunges into the head of a steep box canyon. The waterfall never completely dries up, though it slows to a trickle in dry times. In 1980, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department cited Hamilton Pool as the most significant natural area in rural Travis County. Its cultural history dates as far back as 8,000 years. Annually, Hamilton Pool Preserve is host to some 75,000 visitors.
Hamilton Pool Preserve was one of 11 sites added to the list, including two others in Travis County: the Texas Governor’s Mansion and American National Bank Building in Austin.
Last summer, an arsonist set fire to the 152-year-old mansion. The mansion was virtually destroyed, although the state has pledged to rebuild it.
“Like the other sites on our 2009 endangered list, the three Travis County sites reflect the increasing awareness across our state of the importance of preserving sites that have played important roles in the history of our state,” said Libby Buuck, president of Preservation Texas, Inc., a statewide partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “From churches and schools to parks and private residences, the sites represent places that are as important to our history and way of life as longhorn cattle and 10-gallon hats. Many have been such an important part of our heritage that it is easy to take them for granted. By calling attention to them now, we want to encourage residents to act while there’s still time.”
Buuck added that each individual listing is threatened by possible destruction, adverse development or neglect, and each has a compelling reason for being saved.
“These sites represent the most eminent needs and highest probability for positive action,” she said.
Other endangered historic sites on the list included Socorro Mission Rectory in El Paso, Heritage Plaza in Fort Worth, the Strand/Mechanic National Historic Landmark District on Galveston Island, the 1874 Church in Belton [originally known as Old St. Luke’s Episcopal Church], the Scenic Loop-Boerne Stage Corridor in San Antonio, Bluff Dale Bridge on County Road 149 near Stephenville, and the Judge J.N. Campbell House in Longview.