History Lesson

Our story as the Texas capital began in the mid-1800s. The time brought generous growth to Austin, with both the population and the landscape changing dramatically from 1850-1860. Within this decade, Austin’s limestone Capitol was constructed (1853), as well as the Governor's Mansion (1856). Almost thirty years after its construction, a fire destroyed Austin’s original Capitol building. The granite State Capitol that stands today opened in 1888. And remains the largest of the country's statehouses.

The late 1880s also served as another boom period in Austin. The area’s settler population, originally comprised of immigrants from Germany, Sweden and Mexico, quickly grew. An impressive skyline began to take shape. The spectacular Driskill Hotel opened, which remains one of the city's most distinctive landmarks. And Austin became a college town, with the founding of the Univeristy of Texas at Austin.

Austin’s population historically doubles every 20 years. And much of the city's most recent growth is a result of a technology boom. For the past two decades, Austin has made history as a leader in both technology and creativity. From the launch of Dell, a Fortune 500 company, to the growth of Austin as a music and film center, Austin is on the move. And gaining attention worldwide as a hub for education, business, health, green living and as a welcoming community.