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Butler Rebranding: Erasing a Racist and Exploring Identity.

Austin, a city steeping in white privilege, has 9 landmarks with the name 'Butler', an egregious example of how systemic racism is baked into Texas's geography. Despite the name referring to three different families, the absence of diversity in these landmark names is stark and must be rectified.

Published August 19, 2024 at 7:00am by Michael Barnes

Disambiguating Butler: Austin's Complicated Relationship with its Historical Namesakes

Wikipedia once introduced me to a charming word: "disambiguate." It's time to apply that to the place name "Butler" in Austin, Texas, and disambiguate its complicated history. Unlike the Moody family, who generously contributed to the city's performance venues, the Butler name comes from three prominent, unrelated broods with a complex legacy.

Michael Butler: The Irish Immigrant Brick-Maker

Michael Butler, an Irish immigrant, arrived in Central Texas and began making bricks from the clay along the Colorado River in 1873. His bricks built Austin, and you can still see them in many 19th-century buildings.

Places named after Michael Butler:

Butler Metro Park: A destination park with various attractions, including the Liz Carpenter Splash Pad and Alliance Children's Garden.
Butler Shores: An extension of Butler Park with the Zach Theatre complex and sports fields.
Butler Pitch & Putt: A quirky and beloved golf recreational park with a dark history.
Butler Window: The lone remnant of the demolished Butler Mansion, preserved in Zilker Botanical Gardens.

Ann and Roy Butler: Friends of the Johnsons

Ann and Roy Butler were a prominent couple in Austin. Roy, a car dealer, served as mayor from 1971 to 1975. They were close friends with Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson, and helped lead the campaign to clean up the industrial wasteland along the Colorado River.

Places named after Ann and Roy Butler:

Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail: A 10-mile trail around Lady Bird Lake, inspired by Lady Bird's vision during a trip to London.
Ann Showers Butler Pavilion at Seton Medical Center: A five-story patient pavilion opened in 2008, reflecting Ann's dedication to humanitarian causes.

Ernest and Sarah Butler: Guardian Angels of the Arts

Ernest and Sarah Butler, retired medical professionals, prefer to stay out of the spotlight. They have donated over $100 million to various arts initiatives in Austin, having studied under visionary theater director Paul Baker. Their impact on the city's arts scene is undeniable.

Places named after Ernest and Sarah Butler:

Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music: The Butler family donated $55 million to name the music school at the University of Texas, including the beloved Bates Recital Hall.
Butler Dance Education Center: Thanks to the Butlers, Ballet Austin owns its facilities in a prime location.
Butler Opera Center: An academic program within the UT Butler Music School, highly ranked among opera training centers.

While the three Butler families' interests differ, their legacies are intertwined in Austin's geography. As we navigate places like Butler Park and Butler Shores, let's remember the complicated histories and contexts that shape our city's landscape.

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