What is the History Behind Austin, Texas?
Austin, Texas is an interesting place. The population of the capital city of Texas is surprisingly diverse. Not only does it boast an active population of hipsters and music lovers, but it also has plenty of outdoor activities and scenic locales.
Known as the “coolest town in Texas,” Austin has a subtropical climate that makes it an ideal place for summertime barbecues and backyard get-togethers. It also has a rich history that is well worth exploring. This Texas capital city has survived several rough patches, including the Great Depression and the Civil War.
In 1905, Austin had only one paved street and sanitary sewers were scarce. Although the number of cars on the road grew, the city still had a relatively mediocre transportation infrastructure. Thankfully, the oil boom of the twentieth century fueled industrial development. And today, Austin is home to some of the best museums and restaurants in the country.
Austin’s name comes from the famous entrepreneur, Stephen F. Austin, who established the city’s first permanent public library in 1883. In fact, there are several places in Austin that you can visit that are named after his namesake.
In the same year, the University of Texas at Austin was founded. Today, it is the largest university in the state, and many of its graduates choose to stay in Austin. During the Civil War, the city was the center of activity. However, the capital’s reliance on commerce decreased during the war.
The city had a population of only 53,120 in 1860, but it increased to 34,876 in the 1920s. At the time, Austin was the fourth largest city in the state. A new railroad in 1871 boosted the city’s stature.
The Great Depression left a dent in the budgets of the city’s schools, but Austin did fare better than most other cities. This was in part thanks to the political skills of Congressman Lyndon Baines Johnson.
One of the most exciting aspects of living in Austin is the fact that there are over 250 parks, gardens, and other open spaces throughout the city. While many of these are located in central Austin, others can be found in the city’s neighborhoods. For example, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is a 10-mile trek that is a must for any Austinian. Similarly, the Zilker Botanical Gardens are a great way to spend a day outdoors.
The City’s Best-Known Attractions
Among the city’s best-known attractions, the city’s signature landmark is the Congress Bridge. The bridge is also home to 1.5 million bats. Other points of interest include the LBJ Library, the University of Texas at Austin, and the Texas State Capitol. If you’re looking for something to do, there are plenty of museums, sports, and outdoor attractions. Of course, there’s also Austin’s best taco restaurant, Torchy’s.
Austin is home to a variety of music venues, including a number of famous festivals, and many more are located on the grounds of the University of Texas at Austin. There’s even a world-class ballet company.
Point of Interest #1 Driftwood Estate Winery, 4001 Elder Hill Rd, Driftwood, TX 78619,
Point of Interest #2 The Wildflower Barn, 1770 N Elder Hill Road, Driftwood, TX 78619
Point of Interest #3 Wildflower Barn Photography, 1770 N Elder Hill Road, Driftwood, TX 78619
