A Brief History of Austin

Before white settlers reached the area, the grounds that were to become modern day Austin were primarily inhabited by the Tonkawa American Indian tribe. Members of Comanche and Lipan Apache tribes also passed through the area regularly. Unfortunately, very few members of these tribes remain in the area today. The three reservations located in Texas belong to the Alabama-Coushatta, Kickapoo, and Pueblo tribes.

Waterloo

The permanent settlement that would eventually grow into Austin was founded in 1835, when Texas was still a territory of Mexico. This settlement was named Waterloo, a part of Austin's heritage that is reflected in the names of many local businesses such as the Waterloo Ice House. Over the next few years, it developed into a town and then a city, although growth was relatively slow in those early years due to Waterloo’s distance from most other Texan cities.

The Capital of Texas

Waterloo was renamed after the Texas hero Stephen F Austin when it was chosen as the capital city of the Republic of Texas in 1839. The location was chosen by Texan president Mirabeau B Lamar, who is honored to this day by having one of Austin’s major roads named after him. Many objected to this location, including the famous politician Sam Houston, claiming that Austin’s remote location would make it vulnerable to attacks by Mexican soldiers and American Indians.

The city of Austin faced many challenges over the next decade, as Sam Houston was elected president and tried to relocate the republic's capital several times. The town’s economy suffered, and many assumed it would soon die out.

Fortunately, Austin's luck turned around after the end of the Civil War, when it became the capital of the new American state of Texas. Today Austin boasts a booming economy, a constantly growing population, and some of the nation's finest universities.

Contact an Austin Realtor

If you need help with your Austin home search, contact the Carvajal Group at 512-419-7770.