Lions Municipal Golf Course
2901 Enfield Rd., Austin, TXLions Municipal Golf Course is also part of a broader, national story of social and cultural developments around race relations. In late 1950 – following the Supreme Court’s decision in Sweatt v. Painter but well before Brown vs. Board of Education – Muny quietly became the first desegregated municipal golf course in the South (defined as the states of the old Confederacy). African Americans routinely played at Muny thereafter. In 1951 and again in July 1953, Joe Louis (former heavyweight-boxing champion and, at that time, golf’s ambassador to black America) played at Muny. The desegregation of Muny and then other local facilities during 1950-54 occurred without conflict and with minimal public debate, in contrast to the hostile resistance of many communities in the South. Litigation arising from other southern cities demonstrated that (outside of the events in Austin) meaningful changes in the desegregation of city-owned golf courses would only happen after Brown was decided in 1954. The desegregation of Muny reflects progressive changes in the Jim Crow south before the advent of the post-Brown Civil Rights movement. For these reasons, the property is nominated to the National Register at the national level of significance under Criterion A in the area of Social History. The property is also nominated at the local level of significance under Criterion A in the area of Entertainment and Recreation as a significant municipal golf course that offered the opportunity for many to experience the sport of golf without the club membership required at the Austin Country Club’s private course (now Hancock Golf Course, NRHP 2014). The period of significance is 1924-1966, reflecting the property’s continuous use as a golf course through the historic period.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
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.
Travis County Timeline
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.