The capital of the state of Texas is Austin. It was chosen as the capital of the Republic of Texas in 1839. When Texas was admitted to the United States in 1845, it became the state capital.

Geography

Austin is located on the Colorado River in the south-central part of the state. The hill country to the west of the city contains a chain of lakes formed by dams along the Colorado River. This recreational region has unusual rock outcrops, caverns, and springs. Town Lake and Lake Austin wind through the city.

Landmarks

The State Capitol in Austin dates from 1888. It is a distinctive pink granite building modeled after the United States Capitol. The Governor's Mansion, built in 1856, is a National Historic Landmark. Another building of interest is the French Legation, built in 1840–41. It originally served as the residence of the French ambassador to the Republic of Texas.

Education and culture

The main campus of the University of Texas is located in Austin. It is the site of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library. The city also has several other colleges and universities.

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum opened in downtown Austin in 2001. Other museums are housed in the former homes of writer O. Henry and sculptor Elisabet Ney.

Economy

Austin is an important research and development center for the defense and consumer industries. Other industries include food processing and printing. Among the products manufactured in the city are bricks, tiles and concrete, furniture, bus bodies, boats, and chemicals.

History

Austin originated as the riverside village of Waterloo. In 1839 the village was selected as the site for the capital of the Republic of Texas and renamed in honor of Stephen F. Austin. Often called the Father of Texas, Austin was responsible for settling thousands of American colonists in Texas when it was still part of Mexico. By 1840 the city of Austin was incorporated, with 856 residents. The government was moved from Austin to Houston in 1842 because of the threat of a Mexican invasion. It returned to Austin in 1845, the year Texas became a state.

The arrival of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad in 1871 helped Austin to grow as a trading center for ranchers and farmers. Industry began to develop in the early 20th century. Population (2000 census), city, 656,562; metropolitan area, 1,249,763