Clear, icy Barton Springs have long drawn Indians, pioneers, and tourists. Their waters rise from limestone strata to the surface through the Balcones Fault, which bisects Central Texas, and average 27,000,000 gallons daily. During 1730-1731, Spanish friars located three missions here. About 1837, settler William "Uncle Billy" Barton patented the land and named two of the springs for his daughters, Parthenia and Eliza. His two tame baby buffalos became an attraction despite constant danger from Indian attacks. As the place grew more popular, an Austin merchant installed a merry-go-round and rented bathing suits to swimmers. In 1871, he and several others built ice-making machines at the springs, and flour mills, sawmills, and a quarry also appeared along the creek banks. About 1875, the riverboat "Sunbeam" ran excursions to Barton's at 50 cents a round trip, and at one period a ferry operated here on a main road to Austin. Between 1901 and 1913, A. J. Zilker bought the land and in 1918 and 1931 deeded it to the people of Austin for use as a park.