Cuero Hydroelectric Plant
Why it's listed
A hydroelectric plant and masonry dam on the Guadalupe River, two miles north of Cuero, supplied electric power to the town for nearly seventy years. Otto and C. August Buchel began construction in 1896 under the Buchel Power and Irrigation Company, hauling limestone blocks by wagon and building largely by hand and mule. The company competed with the steam-powered Cuero Light and Power Company, then bought it. A fire destroyed the powerhouse in 1908, and new owners rebuilt it that December. The dam was raised and repaired several times, and Allis-Chalmers generators were added in 1922. Central Power and Light operated the plant from 1926 until it closed in 1965 because of its small output. For several years after the Austin Dam collapsed in 1900, it was the largest plant of its type in Texas. It is considered one of the best preserved turn-of-the-century hydroelectric plants in the state, though it needs care.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the plant helped pioneer hydroelectric power in Texas, together with the Austin Dam plant on the Colorado River. After the Austin Dam collapsed in 1900, it was for several years the largest plant of its type in the state. It is also described as one of the best preserved turn-of-the-century hydroelectric plants in Texas.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 77001514, listed September 19, 1977. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 2 mi. N of Cuero on Guadalupe Plant, Cuero |
|---|---|
| County | DeWitt County |
| Listed | September 19, 1977 |
| Reference number | 77001514 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899, 1900- (specific dates 1896, 1908) |
| Architect / builder | Buchel Power & Irrigation Company |
| Areas of significance | Industry, Engineering |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Plant shut down in 1965 and now vacant, with generation equipment intact; the dam is intact but the penstocks and wheels are clogged with driftwood and debris. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 29.12981, -97.31156 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
Noted as vacant in the nomination. Nomination documents can be decades old; current status may differ. If you are considering buying an empty listed property, read the due-diligence checklist.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 77001514.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q109999788
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.