Historically, the city of Austin, Texas, began as a sparsely populated area in the western part of the state. In 1838, the Texas Congress appointed a commission to select a suitable location for a city. The area’s natural resources, central location, and beauty impressed the commission. In 1839, it purchased 7,735 acres of land along the Colorado River, including the hamlet of Waterloo. It also purchased adjacent lands. However, the commission was not satisfied with the location due to its vulnerability to Indian and Mexican troops’ attacks.
The city is also becoming a hub for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. The Milken Institute ranked Austin as the 12th biotech center in the nation in 2004. CBRE Group ranks Austin as the third most important emerging life sciences cluster in the United States. Some notable companies include Hospira, Pharmaceutical Product Development, ArthroCare Corporation, GoodPop, Keller Williams Realty, National Western Life, Dimensional Fund Advisors, Outdoor Voices, and Tito’s Vodka.
Austin’s population is highly diverse. The city’s population is a mixture of white and black residents, with approximately 72 percent non-Hispanic and 48.3% Hispanic or Latino. There are also a few minority groups, including Asians and Native Americans. The city has a diverse cultural history and a rich history of Mexican-American residents.
Founded in 1839, Austin is the capital of Texas and the county seat of Travis County. It is located along the Colorado River and Interstate Highway 35. It is at 30deg16′ north latitude and 97deg45′ west longitude and is situated on the eastern edge of the Hill Country. The city was first founded by the three-year-old Republic of Texas. It was named after Stephen F. Austin, the first president of the Texas Republic.
Visitors can experience Austin’s rich cultural heritage by exploring the city’s diverse entertainment options. Many attractions include the capitol building, a farmer’s market, a boardwalk, and river kayaking. Moreover, it is home to numerous entertainment districts and a vibrant live music scene.
If you’re traveling to Austin, visit the Texas State Capitol. The building is state-of-the-art and offers tours and exhibits. One particularly notable exhibit is a giant Lego model of the capitol, which took more than 65,000 blocks to complete. Its location is great for families, with an area dedicated to children. Check this post
Downtown Austin offers a wide range of museums. The Rainey Street Historic District is home to several museums and historic buildings. Many of the original bungalow-style homes in the district have been converted into bars, restaurants, and hotels. The area also features the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. Nearby, you can visit the O. Henry House Museum and take in some of the city’s rich cultural heritage. You can also see many of Ney’s sculptures, including busts that are as lifelike as the ones in the book. Some of these pieces include statues, ornaments, and fountains.
Point of Interest #1 Fire Bowl Cafe, 13000 N FM 620 Rd, Austin, TX 78750
Point of Interest #2 H-Mart – Austin, 11301 Lakeline Blvd, Austin, TX 78717
Point of Interest #3 Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, 13201 Ranch Rd 620 N Suite B, Austin, TX 78717
