One of Round Rock's architectural senior citizens, the historic Stagecoach Inn, entrenched in local folklore and the town's development, has successfully withstood the test of time. Completed between 1848 and 1853 by pioneers John J. and Susie Anna Harris, the Inn is acknowledged as one of Round Rock's three oldest surviving structures. Its walls, hewn from the limestone beneath, once hailed alongside the Old Military Road, now part of the renowned Chisholm Trail.
According to a recent article, the Stagecoach Inn initially served as a vital rest stop for stagecoach passengers needing to eagerly catch a meal and some shut-eye. For drivers, it was the go-to place to swap out their horse teams. Beyond its practical use, it was also the social hub for Round Rock locals, doubling as the town post office. The Inn's importance was such that the honking of the Harris' geese, which announced the stagecoach's arrival, became a communal bell toll, drawing townsfolk in.
Over the years, this historical waypoint has seen its fair share of characters pass through its doors, from law-abiding Texas Rangers to not-so-law-abiding outlaws like John Wesley Hardin and Sam Bass. But as railroads laid their tracks and shifted commerce into what is now Downtown Round Rock, the Stagecoach Inn had to adapt, transforming from a coach stop to various other roles, including a tavern, a private residence, and a dining establishment.
However, the Inn's legacy took a sharp turn in 2018 when Round Rock's developments forced a change. "First, we (the City) bought the Stagecoach Inn and it was bought as part of right-of-way acquisition so it wasn’t going to be able to stay where it was," Kerstin Harding, Planner with the City of Round Rock, centrally involved in the relocation, told the publication. To preserve its 175-year-old walls, the City funded its move across Brushy Creek. Moving a 100-ton limestone building isn't a walk in the park — it involves meticulously stabilizing, relocating it, and then, repairing any damages to its stonework.
Now perched proudly along Brushy Creek, the Stagecoach Inn remains a resolute symbol of Round Rock's storied past. It withstands not just as a physical testament to the roots of the city but as a preserved space where the scenes of history can still be felt, even if the honking of geese no longer signals a stagecoach's approach.
