On December 27, 1839, Austin was founded as the capital of the Republic of Texas, which existed from 1836 to 1846, the year the Lone Star State came to be. From the national capital to the seat of state government, Austin was born to lead Texas. One way to understand Austin's history as a capital (the city of government) is through its Capitol (the building in which the government meets). There have been three Capitols in Austin, discussed below. Find Library resources on Texas Capitols and capitals.
Adjacent museums located in historic downtown Austin.
The former studio and portrait collection created by 19th century sculptor Elisabet Ney.
The oldest building in Austin (ca. 1841), it served as the residence of the French representative to the Republic of Texas.
George Washington Carver Museum
Contains African-American historical and cultural material.
Documents the lives of prominent Austinites from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries.
The North-Evans Chateau was purchased by multiple women's organizations to become a place for women to gather, learn and network.