Historical Marker

First Capitol in Austin

Historical marker location:
124 W 8th Street, Austin, Texas
( @ site of 1936 City Hall)
Marker installed: 1936

The first capitol in Austin was erected on this site in 1839. Every president of the Republic of Texas performed some official act within its walls.

In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.