Exploring some history about Norwood Gin in Del Valle, Texas.

Norwood Gin is one of the many forgotten oil gins of Travis County and Del Valle. Not much history is known or has been preserved about this oil gin. This news article will explain the history behind Norwood Gin.

Norwood Gin was established on the Santiago del Valle land tract J. B. Norwood purchased land southeast of Austin in Del Valle in 1830 from the Mexican government prior to statehood. Here J. B. Norwood had established and constructed an oil gin named Norwood Gin. Norwood Gin sat on the Santiago del Valle land tract where Norwood Lane & Highway 71 is now located.


Austin Statesman reported about the burning of Norwood Gin in late 1888. “The farmers are in better fix for going through the winter than they have been for many years past. The burning of Mr. Norwood's gin a few days ago was a total loss, there being no insurance on it.” How the fire was ignited is unknown. (Ref: Austin Statesman, Page 3, Wednesday, November 7, 1888)

That would not be the only time Norwood Gin would get caught on fire. Norwood Gin would get caught on fire agin in 1891. Only this time a young boy was killed. (Ref: Austin Weekly Statesman, Page 3, November 7, 1891)

“News reached the city yesterday morning of the burning of Norwood's gin, ten miles from Austin. The building, pin stand, a quantity of lint cotton and one bale were destroyed. It is not known exactly how the tire originated, but the flames spread so rapidly that a boy named Johnny Williams, before he could escape from the gin room, was so severely burned that he will die.”

Norwood Gin was demolished and torn in 1910 because J. B. Norwood was tired seeing his oil gin getting burned down by unknown circumstances. 

Norwood Gin was located at the intersection of Norwood Lane & Highway 71, Del Valle, Texas, US 78617. The postal address for Norwood Gin is 4201 Norwood Lane, Del Valle, Texas, US 78617.