Historical Marker

Site of Temporary Texas State Capitol of 1800's

Historical marker location:
Austin, Texas
( On Southwest corner of Congress Avenue and Eleventh St., Austin)
Marker installed: 1967
Marker size: 27" X 42"

SITE OF TEMPORARY

TEXAS STATE CAPITOL OF 1880'S

BUILT, 1882-1883, TO REPLACE THE PREVIOUS CAPITOL, WHICH HAD BURNED IN 1881. UNTIL THE BUILDING WAS COMPLETED, THE ORPHANED TEXAS GOVERNMENT CONDUCTED BUSINESS IN THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND JAIL ACROSS CONGRESS AVENUE.

THE THREE-STORY BRICK BUILDING-THIRD TEXAS CAPITOL IN AUSTIN- WAS USED FIVE YEARS. DURING THIS TIME IT WITNESSED THE PASSAGE OF STRONG LEGISLATION TO AID EDUCATION AND TO HALT FENCE-CUTTING, WHICH, IN 1883, HAD EXPLODED INTO A RANGE WAR. GOVERNORS JOHN IRELAND (1883-1887) AND SUL ROSS (1887-1891) BOTH SERVED IN THIS BUILDING.

IN 1883, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HELD CLASSES HERE FOR ITS 218 STUDENTS UNTIL CAMPUS FACILITIES WERE COMPLETE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, CATTLE BARON CHARLES GOODNIGHT LOADED $100,000 IN CASH IN A WHEEL BARROW AND HAD IT HAULED TO THE CAPITOL TO FORCE SETTLEMENT OF A LAND DISPUTE, BUT OFFICIALS REFUSED HIS OFFER.

AFTER THE PRESENT CAPITOL WAS FINISHED, 1888, THIS STRUCTURE WAS USED AS HOME OF AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL, STUDIOS FOR MUSIC TEACHERS, AND FOR VARIOUS OFFICES. WHEN IT BURNED, SEPT.30, 1899, CURIOUS SPECTATORS SAT ON THE FENCE AROUND THE NEW CAPITOL TO WATCH VOLUNTEER FIREMEN, HAMPERED BY LOW WATER PRESSURE, FIGHT THE BLAZE. THE OLD BUILDING WAS RAZED SOON AFTER AND THE BRICKS WERE USED IN STRUCTRES THROUGHOUT AUSTIN.

RECORDED TEXAS HISTORIC LANDMARK, 1967

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

buildings architecture education fires government officials
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Texas random facts
Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.

Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.

During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.

Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Travis County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Travis County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache.

  • 1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.

  • 1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.

  • 1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."

  • 1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.

  • 1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.

  • 1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.

  • 1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.

  • 1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.

  • 2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.