Austin monuments are steeped in a history and mystique that is both southern coloured and 100% unique to Texas. Texas history is on one side proud and rough, while on the other stately and ornate. The numerous historic buildings and monuments in Austin tell the story of a people that braved and tamed the badlands to transform Austin into the urban modern city that it's become.
State Capitol
Distinguished in the National Register of Historical Places in 1970, the Texas State Capitol is a beautiful domed building that is paying homage to the state's white house, apart from the State Capitol building is "sunset red" granite. The building was finished in 1888 and was built in Renaissance Revival Style, primarily based on 15th century Italian design. The structure is distinguished by symmetrical composition, round arches and rich embellishments. Outside walls are accented by baroque steel gates. In the 1990s, many restorations were undertaken to increase the size to accommodate occupants, making the Texas State Capitol the largest state capital re gross sq footage, second largest only to the country's capital. Interior restorations were completed to the tune of $98 million, and in 1997 the grounds were remodeled and revived at a cost of $8 million. Visitors can take a tour, visit the Capitol Complex Visitors Center, Capitol Gift Shop and Texas State History Museum.
Governor's Mansion
Located in Colorado Street in Austin, Texas, the Governor's Mansion is an awesome monument to tour and get a feel of the history and culture of the city with its somewhat old-school ambiance. The facility has served as a home to every governor who has served Texas since the country'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 mansion is well refitted with pieces of furniture, such as Sam Houston's bed, and a bunch of paintings and antiques from the old days. The villa was assembled with the utilisation of bricks and wood material. During your trip to the facility, keep a look out for holes in the railing where Governor James Hogg punched in tacks to prevent his kids from sliding and fall down it. The tour is open to the general public daily which lasts for almost twenty min per tour. The villa is only open to visitors every Monday to Thu with admission free.
Mount Bonnell
Situated in the northern part of downtown Austin, Mount Bonnell is named after the hack and infantryman who fought during the Texan war for autonomy, William Bonnell. The mount is a great area to visit to gain an improved view over the whole town of Austin. The monument stands 750 feet tall and is accessible through 100 high steps with great picturesque perspectives of the city, the western hills and even the Colorado Brook. 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 roads 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 bizarre things goings on and many folks, including staff, think the hotel to be haunted. If hauntings are of interest, ask to stay in Room 525, the room of the suicide brides. Currently the hotel is a superbly run 5 star hotel with great rooms, great dining at 1886 Cafe & Bakery and the 4-star Driskill Griddle with cook Jonathan Gelman. The Driskill even offers live entertainment nightly, sometimes 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 historical site in its own right. Visitors taking a tour through the graveyard will note the funeral place of many historic figures together with scores of Confederate squaddies which make up much of Austin's dear background.
State Capitol
Distinguished in the National Register of Historical Places in 1970, the Texas State Capitol is a beautiful domed building that is paying homage to the state's white house, apart from the State Capitol building is "sunset red" granite. The building was finished in 1888 and was built in Renaissance Revival Style, primarily based on 15th century Italian design. The structure is distinguished by symmetrical composition, round arches and rich embellishments. Outside walls are accented by baroque steel gates. In the 1990s, many restorations were undertaken to increase the size to accommodate occupants, making the Texas State Capitol the largest state capital re gross sq footage, second largest only to the country's capital. Interior restorations were completed to the tune of $98 million, and in 1997 the grounds were remodeled and revived at a cost of $8 million. Visitors can take a tour, visit the Capitol Complex Visitors Center, Capitol Gift Shop and Texas State History Museum.
Governor's Mansion
Located in Colorado Street in Austin, Texas, the Governor's Mansion is an awesome monument to tour and get a feel of the history and culture of the city with its somewhat old-school ambiance. The facility has served as a home to every governor who has served Texas since the country'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 mansion is well refitted with pieces of furniture, such as Sam Houston's bed, and a bunch of paintings and antiques from the old days. The villa was assembled with the utilisation of bricks and wood material. During your trip to the facility, keep a look out for holes in the railing where Governor James Hogg punched in tacks to prevent his kids from sliding and fall down it. The tour is open to the general public daily which lasts for almost twenty min per tour. The villa is only open to visitors every Monday to Thu with admission free.
Mount Bonnell
Situated in the northern part of downtown Austin, Mount Bonnell is named after the hack and infantryman who fought during the Texan war for autonomy, William Bonnell. The mount is a great area to visit to gain an improved view over the whole town of Austin. The monument stands 750 feet tall and is accessible through 100 high steps with great picturesque perspectives of the city, the western hills and even the Colorado Brook. 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 roads 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 bizarre things goings on and many folks, including staff, think the hotel to be haunted. If hauntings are of interest, ask to stay in Room 525, the room of the suicide brides. Currently the hotel is a superbly run 5 star hotel with great rooms, great dining at 1886 Cafe & Bakery and the 4-star Driskill Griddle with cook Jonathan Gelman. The Driskill even offers live entertainment nightly, sometimes 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 historical site in its own right. Visitors taking a tour through the graveyard will note the funeral place of many historic figures together with scores of Confederate squaddies which make up much of Austin's dear background.
About the Author:
Rachel Rosen has had an interest in Austin landmarks for several years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more details about Austin monuments feel free to visit her site.
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