Austin monuments are soaked in a history and mystique that's both southern coloured and 100% unique to Texas. Texas history is on one side proud and rugged, while on the other stately and flamboyant. The numerous historic buildings and monuments in Austin tell the story about a individuals that braved and tamed the badlands to transform the city into the urban modern town that it has become.
State Capitol
Distinguished in the Nation's Register of Historical Places in 1970, the Texas State Capitol is a pretty domed building that's harking back to the state's government, except for the State Capitol building is "sunset red" granite. The building was completed in 1888 and was built in Renaissance Revival Style, based totally on 15th century Italian design. The structure is identified by symmetrical composition, round arches and rich gildings. Outside walls are accented by ornate steel gates. In the 1990s, many restorations were undertaken to increase the size to accommodate occupants, making the Texas State Capitol the biggest state capital in terms of gross square footage, 2nd biggest only to the state's capital. Interior restorations were completed to the tune of $98 million, and in 1997 the grounds were remodeled and restored at a cost of $8 million. Visitors can take a tour, visit the Capitol Complex Visitors Center, Capitol Present Shop and Texas State History Museum.
Governor's Mansion
Located in Colorado Street in Austin, Texas, the Governor's Mansion is a great monument to tour and get a feel of the culture and history of the town with its somewhat old-school ambiance. The facility has served as a home to every governor who has served Texas since the nation's 5th. The Governor's Mansion was designed by the well-recognized architect Abner Cook during 1865 and is one of Austin's most classic and elegant structures. The villa is well refurbished with pieces of furniture,eg Sam Houston's bed, and a number of paintings and antiques from the old days. The mansion was assembled with the utilisation of bricks and wood material. During your visit to the facility, keep a look out for holes in the banister where Governor James Hogg punched in tacks to stop his kids from sliding and fall down it. The tour is open to the public daily which lasts for just about 20 min per tour. The house is only open to visitors each Mon - Thu with free admission.
Mount Bonnell
Situated in the northerly part of downtown Austin, Mount Bonnell is named after the journalist and soldier who fought during the Texan war for independence, William Bonnell. It is a great area to visit to gain an enhanced view over the entire city of Austin. The monument stands 750 feet tall and is accessible through 100 high steps with great scenic perspectives of the town, the western hills and even the Colorado Stream. Public visits are allowed from 5am to 10pm daily and with no charge.
The Driskill Hotel
Designed in a Romanesque style with columns, archways and porches that look out onto the highways of downtown Austin, the Driskill is a 4 story hotel built in the 1880s by cattle baron Jesse Driskill. Guests of the Driskill Hotel have included the state legislature while the Texas State Capitol was being built, among others, some of which has been reported to never have left. Contemporary Driskill Hotel guests have reported many strange things goings on and many individuals, including staff, believe the hotel to be haunted. If hauntings are of interest, ask to remain in Room 525, the room of the suicide brides. Currently the hotel is a marvellously run five star hotel with great rooms, great dining at 1886 Cafeteria & Bakery and the 4-star Driskill Griddle with cook Jonathan Gelman. The Driskill even offers live entertainment nightly, generally offering urban country, soul, jazz and blues performers.
Texas State Cemetery
Although not classed as historical buildings in Austin, the Texas State Cemetery is a historic site in its own right. Visitors taking a tour through the graveyard will note the funeral place of many historical figures with scores of Confederate soldiers that make up much of Austin's valuable background.
State Capitol
Distinguished in the Nation's Register of Historical Places in 1970, the Texas State Capitol is a pretty domed building that's harking back to the state's government, except for the State Capitol building is "sunset red" granite. The building was completed in 1888 and was built in Renaissance Revival Style, based totally on 15th century Italian design. The structure is identified by symmetrical composition, round arches and rich gildings. Outside walls are accented by ornate steel gates. In the 1990s, many restorations were undertaken to increase the size to accommodate occupants, making the Texas State Capitol the biggest state capital in terms of gross square footage, 2nd biggest only to the state's capital. Interior restorations were completed to the tune of $98 million, and in 1997 the grounds were remodeled and restored at a cost of $8 million. Visitors can take a tour, visit the Capitol Complex Visitors Center, Capitol Present Shop and Texas State History Museum.
Governor's Mansion
Located in Colorado Street in Austin, Texas, the Governor's Mansion is a great monument to tour and get a feel of the culture and history of the town with its somewhat old-school ambiance. The facility has served as a home to every governor who has served Texas since the nation's 5th. The Governor's Mansion was designed by the well-recognized architect Abner Cook during 1865 and is one of Austin's most classic and elegant structures. The villa is well refurbished with pieces of furniture,eg Sam Houston's bed, and a number of paintings and antiques from the old days. The mansion was assembled with the utilisation of bricks and wood material. During your visit to the facility, keep a look out for holes in the banister where Governor James Hogg punched in tacks to stop his kids from sliding and fall down it. The tour is open to the public daily which lasts for just about 20 min per tour. The house is only open to visitors each Mon - Thu with free admission.
Mount Bonnell
Situated in the northerly part of downtown Austin, Mount Bonnell is named after the journalist and soldier who fought during the Texan war for independence, William Bonnell. It is a great area to visit to gain an enhanced view over the entire city of Austin. The monument stands 750 feet tall and is accessible through 100 high steps with great scenic perspectives of the town, the western hills and even the Colorado Stream. Public visits are allowed from 5am to 10pm daily and with no charge.
The Driskill Hotel
Designed in a Romanesque style with columns, archways and porches that look out onto the highways of downtown Austin, the Driskill is a 4 story hotel built in the 1880s by cattle baron Jesse Driskill. Guests of the Driskill Hotel have included the state legislature while the Texas State Capitol was being built, among others, some of which has been reported to never have left. Contemporary Driskill Hotel guests have reported many strange things goings on and many individuals, including staff, believe the hotel to be haunted. If hauntings are of interest, ask to remain in Room 525, the room of the suicide brides. Currently the hotel is a marvellously run five star hotel with great rooms, great dining at 1886 Cafeteria & Bakery and the 4-star Driskill Griddle with cook Jonathan Gelman. The Driskill even offers live entertainment nightly, generally offering urban country, soul, jazz and blues performers.
Texas State Cemetery
Although not classed as historical buildings in Austin, the Texas State Cemetery is a historic site in its own right. Visitors taking a tour through the graveyard will note the funeral place of many historical figures with scores of Confederate soldiers that make up much of Austin's valuable background.
About the Author:
Rachel Rosen has been fascinated by Austin landmarks for many years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more information about Austin monuments please visit her site.
