Austin and Texas History: Austin History

 

A Capitol & Capital

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.

Three Capitol Buildings

The First Capitol in Austin, 1839 - 1853

In 1839 the town of Waterloo on the Colorado River was chosen to be the capital of the new Republic of Texas. Renamed Austin in honor of Stephen F. Austin, the Father of Texas, the city plan included a hilltop site for a capitol building (at right) looking down toward the river from the head of a broad Congress Avenue. Image: PICA 01079 Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.

Austin History Resources

Brush Square MuseumsThe three Brush square museums

Adjacent museums located in historic downtown Austin.

 

 

Elisabet Ney MuseumElizabet Ney Museum - tower with trees and grass, stone wall in foreground.

The former studio and portrait collection created by 19th century sculptor Elisabet Ney.

 

 

 

French Legation Historic SiteView of side of French Legation Building - Legation France in blue letters, double columns and porch.

The oldest building in Austin (ca. 1841), it served as the residence of the French representative to the Republic of Texas.

 

 

George Washington Carver MuseumDark outside, inner lights showing glowing front of George Washington Carver museum - glass doors and small tower.

Contains African-American historical and cultural material.

 

Neill-Cochran House MuseumTrees in front of Neill-cochran house museum. 6 columns, brick facing, porch a

Documents the lives of prominent Austinites from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries.

The Austin Woman's Club
the North-Evans House from the Evans Estate now The Austin Woman’s Club. Stone arches and blooming trees.

The North-Evans Chateau was purchased by multiple women's organizations to become a place for women to gather, learn and network.