History of Austin, Texas, USA

December 27, 1839 - Austin is incorporated

1854 - Austin
Austin, capital of Texas, and seat of justice of Travis county, on the left or N. bank of the Colorado river, about 200 miles by land from its mouth, and 230 miles W. N. W. from Galveston. Lat. 80° 15' N., Lon. 97° 47' W. The scenery around Austin is highly picturesque, and the view from the president's house remarkably fine. The Colorado is navigable by steamboats to this point during high water, that is in the winter. Austin contains, besides the state and county buildings, 3 or 4 newspaper offices, and numerous stores. A fine state house is now in course of erection. The supreme court is held here once in the year. The seat of government was established at Austin about the year 1844. Population in 1853, estimated at 3000.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1888 - April 21 – The Texas State Capitol building, completed at a cost of 3 million dollars, opens to the public in Austin.

wikipedia.org
April 21, 1888

1895 - Austin / Austin City
Austin, or Austin City, the capital of Texas and of Travis co, is on the left bank of the Colorado River, and on the Austin Branch of the Houston & Texas Central Rail mad, and the Brazos Branch of the International & Great Northern Railroad, 164 miles W. by N. from Houston, and about 75 miles N.N.E. of San Antonio. Lat. 30° 16' N.; lon. 97°42'W, Austin contains the capitol or state-house, the governor's mansion, ll churches, 6 banks, the Texas Military Institute, a Catholic academy, state asylums for the insane, blind, deaf, and dumb, and a land-office. Two daily and 3 weekly newspapers are published here. A dam 1200 feet long, to cost $1,400,000, is in course of construction (1892), to furnish power for manufacturing purposes. Pop in 1870, 4428; in 1880, 10,960; in 1890, 14,476.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1897 - GREAT BLOW AT AUSTIN.
Part of the University Buildings Unroofed and Other Damage.

Austin, Tex., March 28. - The northern portion of the city was struck by a small sized cyclone this afternoon at 3 o'clock, which resulted in considerable damage to property, but fortunately no lives were lost.

The wind got in its most damaging work on the state university. The roof of Brackinridge hall was lifted off and carried across the street, falling on a dwelling house occupied by Mrs. Shepherd. The cottage was smashed, but the inmates escaped.

The hall is occupied by about forty students and their belongings were ruined by water. In some portions of the building water stands at a depth of three feet.

The university is damaged to the extent of every chimney being down and the windows on the west side of the assembly hall are smashed in. About 500 beautiful young shade trees in the campus are lying on the ground, some of them being twisted from the roots.

The "Honey" church, at the corner of Twenty-fourth ... Read MORE...

1901 - July 24 - O. Henry is released from prison in Austin, Texas after serving three years for embezzlement from a bank.

historyorb.com

1916
Austin, or Austin City, the capital of Texas and of Travis co., is on the left bank of the Colorado River (at the head of navigation) and on the Houston and Texas Central and the International and Great Northern Rs., 164 miles W. by N. of Houston and about 75 miles NNE. of San Antonio. Lat. 30° 16' N. ; Lon. 97° 42' W. Austin contains the capitol or state-house, one of the largest buildings of the world. the governor's mansion, University of Texas, various collegiate institutions, state asylums for the insane, blind, deaf and dumb, and a land-office. The city is an important shipping point for agricultural produce, live-stock, cotton, wool, and hides. The great Austin dam, constructed across the Colorado River for water-power and manufactures, and located 2 miles above the city, — a huge piece of granite masonry, measuring 1200 feet in length, 60 to 70 feet in height, and 18 to 65 feet in thickness, — was swept away in 1900. Pop. in 1870, 4428 ; in 1880, 10,960 ; in 1890, 14,476 ; in... Read MORE...

1922 - May 4 - Austin, TX, was hit twice by tornadoes which struck within thirty minutes of each other. Twelve persons were killed in the tornadoes.

The Weather Channel
May 4, 1922

1925 - October 30 - KUT-AM in Austin TX begins radio transmissions

historyorb.com

2023 - Austin is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. Here's a mix of popular and off-the-beaten-path places to go and things to do in the Live Music Capital of the World:
Explore South Congress Avenue (SoCo):

Stroll down this trendy street full of unique shops, boutiques, and art galleries. Don't miss the iconic "I Love You So Much" mural.

Visit the State Capitol:

Take a tour of the magnificent Texas State Capitol building. It's a great way to learn about the state's history and architecture.

Barton Springs Pool:

Cool off in this natural spring-fed pool located in Zilker Park. It's a popular spot for locals to escape the Texas heat.

Zilker Park:

Beyond Barton Springs, Zilker Park hosts various events and festivals. It's also a fantastic place for a picnic, frisbee, or just relaxing under the shade.

Hamilton Pool Preserve:

A natural pool created by a collapsed grotto, surrounded by lush vegetation. It's a bit outside Austin, but the scenic drive and unique destination make it worth it.

Mount Bonnell:

Hike up for a stunning panoramic view of the city and the Colorado River. It's a great spot for a romantic sunset.

Lady ... Read MORE...