Austin monuments are soaked in a history and mystique that's both southern colored and wholly original to Texas. Texas history is a proud one on one side and craggy, while on the other stately and ornate. The numerous historic buildings and monuments in Austin tell the story about the individuals that braved and tamed the wilderness to change Austin into the modern city that it is.
State Capitol
Distinguished in the Nation's Register of Historical Places in 1970, the Texas State Capitol is a beautiful domed building that's paying homage to the nation's government, excepting that the State Capitol building is "sunset red" Granite. The building was completed in 1888 and was built in Renaissance Revival Style, based on 15th century Italian architecture. The structure is distinguished by symmetrical composition, round arches and rich gildings. Outside walls are accented by baroque steel gates. In the 1990s, many restorations were performed to increase the size to accommodate occupants, making the Texas State Capitol the largest state capital in terms of gross sq footage, second biggest only to the nation's capital. Interior restorations were completed to the tune of $98 million, and in 1997 the grounds were refurbished and restored at a price of $8 million. Visitors can take a tour, visit the Capitol Complex Visitors Center, Capitol Gift Shop and Texas State History Museum. With all of its grand architectual style, this is definitely a place you will want to stop during your trip to Austin.
Governor's Mansion
Situated in Colorado Street in Austin, Texas, the Governor's Mansion is a great 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 state's fifth governor. The Governor's Mansion was designed by the well-recognized architect Abner Cook during 1865 and is one of Austin's most classic and chic structures. The mansion is well refurbished with pieces of furniture, eg Sam Houston's bed, and a bunch of antique furniture and paintings. The house was built with the employment of bricks and wood material. During your trip to the facility, watch out for holes in the railing where Governor James Hogg punched in tacks to prevent his children from sliding and falling down it. The tour is open to the general public daily which lasts for around 20 minutes per tour. The villa is only open to visitors every Monday to Thursday with free admission.
Mount Bonnell
Situated in the north part of downtown Austin, Mount Bonnell is named after the journalist and infantryman who fought in the Texan war for independence. The place is a great area to go and visit to gain an improved view over the whole city of Austin. The monument stands 750 feet tall and is accessible thru 100 high steps with great dramatic views of the city, the western hills and even the Colorado Stream. Public visits are allowed from 5am to 10pm daily and with no charge. For a great view of the city and a little bit of a history lesson, this is the place to go.
The Driskill Hotel
The Driskill Hotel was built in the Romanesque style and has arches, columns, and beautiful porches that look out onto the roads of downtown Austin, the Driskill is a four 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. More fresh Driskill Hotel guests have reported many peculiar goings on and many folks, including staff, assume 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 wonderfully run five star hotel with great rooms, great dining at 1886 Cafe & Bakery and the 4-star Driskill Grill with cook Jonathan Gelman. The Driskill even offers live entertainment nightly, often offering urban country, soul, jazz and blues performers.
Texas State Cemetery
Though 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 cemetery will note the funeral place of many historic figures with scores of Confederate soldiers which make up much of Austin's precious background.
Rachel Rosen has been fascinated by Austin monuments for a number of years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For full information about landmarks in Austin feel free to visit her site.
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