There’s no doubt about it — Austin is a fascinating place. From our unique bat bridge to our quirky traditions, this city marches to its own beat. It’s no surprise, then, that its history is incredible. These are 10 things you probably didn’t know about the history of Austin.
- Austin was originally named “Waterloo,” but it was eventually renamed to honor Stephen F. Austin.
Stuart Seeger/Flickr And, before Austin was crowned as the capital of Texas, the state had six temporary capitals.
- After opening in 1945, Austin’s Victory Grill saw the likes of Chuck Berry, Billie Holiday, and Ike and Tina Turner.
Larry D. Moore/Wikimedia Commons Austin’s musical ties go way back!
- The Texas State Capitol Building has its own song. The “State Capitol Grand Waltz” was commissioned in 1888, so Austin really has been the live music capital for a long time.
Katie Haugland Bowen/Flickr
- You have Angelina Eberly to thank for keeping Austin the capital of Texas.
Patrick/Flickr In 1842, Texas was in the middle of what historians refer to as the “archive war.” At the time, Sam Houston wanted to move Texas’ capital to Houston. The most official way to do that, it turns out, was to take a box of historical documents from Austin to Houston. Of course, Austinites weren’t excited about that idea. When Angelina Eberly heard about this, she fired a cannon toward the capital. It scared Sam Houston and his men, and Austin remained the capital.
- Miriam A. “Ma” Ferguson was the first female governor of Texas and the second woman elected governor of any state.
Library of Congress The next time you’re in the Texas State Capital, look to the second floor. You’ll see two portraits of this amazing leader. That’s because she had two non-consecutive terms!
- Everyone in Lyndon B. Johnson’s family had the initials “LBJ.” Even their dog was named “Little Beagle Johnson.”
Public Domain And Lyndon B. Johnson met his wife, Lady Bird, at the Driskill Hotel!
- Austin’s moontowers stand at 165 ft tall and date back to the 19th century.
Kenny Easwaran/Flickr Rumor has it, these structures were built because of a series of violent murders done by the “Servant Girl Annihilator.”
Want to learn more about this horrifying story? Read our feature article here
- The Paramount Theatre was built in 1915 and hosted famous performers like Houdini and Katharine Hepburn.
JD Hancock/Flickr In fact, this venue still has its original fire curtain hanging in the rafters.
Want to learn more about this historic theater? Check out our feature article here.
- There’s a famous tree in Central Austin, and people will go to great lengths to protect it.
Hephaestos/Wikimedia Commons The Treaty Oak is full of rich history. Stephen F. Austin met with Tonkawa and Comanche tribe members near this majestic tree in Texas’ early days. It’s also rumored that Native Americans brewed tea from this tree’s leaves and acorns to promote safety in war. In 1989, however, an Austinite poisoned the tree in attempt to “cast a spell.” The tree started slowly dying, so Austinites held prayer vigils and children wrote get well cards. Thankfully, the tree is recovering and even producing acorns again.
- Despite what Portlanders might say, Austin actually coined the phrase “Keep Austin Weird.” Portland stole the idea in 2003.
Jeremy Keith/Flickr Don’t let any Portlanders tell you otherwise.
Looking for more? These five famous Austin streets are full of fascinating history.
Stuart Seeger/Flickr
And, before Austin was crowned as the capital of Texas, the state had six temporary capitals.
Larry D. Moore/Wikimedia Commons
Austin’s musical ties go way back!
Katie Haugland Bowen/Flickr
Patrick/Flickr
In 1842, Texas was in the middle of what historians refer to as the “archive war.” At the time, Sam Houston wanted to move Texas’ capital to Houston. The most official way to do that, it turns out, was to take a box of historical documents from Austin to Houston. Of course, Austinites weren’t excited about that idea. When Angelina Eberly heard about this, she fired a cannon toward the capital. It scared Sam Houston and his men, and Austin remained the capital.
Library of Congress
The next time you’re in the Texas State Capital, look to the second floor. You’ll see two portraits of this amazing leader. That’s because she had two non-consecutive terms!
Public Domain
And Lyndon B. Johnson met his wife, Lady Bird, at the Driskill Hotel!
Kenny Easwaran/Flickr
Rumor has it, these structures were built because of a series of violent murders done by the “Servant Girl Annihilator.”
Want to learn more about this horrifying story? Read our feature article here
JD Hancock/Flickr
In fact, this venue still has its original fire curtain hanging in the rafters.
Want to learn more about this historic theater? Check out our feature article here.
Hephaestos/Wikimedia Commons
The Treaty Oak is full of rich history. Stephen F. Austin met with Tonkawa and Comanche tribe members near this majestic tree in Texas’ early days. It’s also rumored that Native Americans brewed tea from this tree’s leaves and acorns to promote safety in war. In 1989, however, an Austinite poisoned the tree in attempt to “cast a spell.” The tree started slowly dying, so Austinites held prayer vigils and children wrote get well cards. Thankfully, the tree is recovering and even producing acorns again.
Jeremy Keith/Flickr
Don’t let any Portlanders tell you otherwise.
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