Austin
Austin, Texas, is a vibrant, growing city and is becoming a major travel destination. This webpage will provide some background information about Austin, as well as information to help you plan a vacation.
Overview
Austin is the State Capital of Texas and the county seat of Travis County. It is situated in the south-central part of the state on the Colorado River.
Austin is a city of diversity where politicians, students, professionals, high tech workers come together.
Austin is a major center for development and research and is nationally recognized as a high-technology center. The city is home to large sites of major technology corporations and they call Austin the, "Silicon Hills".
Over the past few years, several national magazines have named Austin as a top place to live.
Historical Background
The first settlement of Austin occurred in 1835 and the site was first called Waterloo in 1838, and in 1839 it was incorporated as a city and chosen as the capital of the independent Republic of Texas.
Waterloo was renamed Austin in honor of Stephen F. Austin, the founder of the Texas Republic. The battles of the Mexican-American War marked the following decade of Austin, and there was an attempt to move the Capitol to another city. But the residents of the city made sure that the archives and records remained in the city. As a result of their efforts, known as the Archive War, Texas joined the United States in 1845, and Austin was named the state capital.
Several developments took place in Austin after the Civil War, the railroads reached the city in the 1870s; it was crossed by the important Chilshom cattle trail; and it became later the seat of the state university in 1883, the University of Texas at Austin.
The turn of the century brought more success to Austin. By the 1920s, the city had acquired Barton Springs, drew up a new city plan, parks and recreation, and adopted a council-manager government.
The Great Depression was hard-felt but the city continued to grow. In the 1950s the city could not continue its massive growth with only academia and government as an economic base. The Chamber of Commerce began to attract high-tech companies to the city. By the mid-seventies, three of the largest high-tech manufacturing companies had plants in Austin. In the 1980s, Microelectronics and Computer Technology and Sematech, had been brought to the city. Now, Austin is known as one of the high-tech centers of the United States, with offices for hundreds of high-tech companies.
Economy
The University of Texas at Austin provides young talented people and driven employees that help to fuel Austin´s economy sector. The Metropolitan Austin has a high concentration of high tech companies.
Some of Austin´s biggest employers include: the University of Texas, the State of Texas, IBM, Dell, Apple Computer, Intel, the Seton Healhcare Network, Freescale Semiconductor, Samsung. The proliferation of technology companies has led to the region's nickname, "the Silicon Hills"
Other globally well known companies, such as Hoover's, Inc., a business research and publishing company, are headquartered in Austin.
In addition to global companies, Austin features a strong network of independent, locally-owned firms and organzations.
Education
Austin is home to the University of Texas at Austin. One of the largest universities in the country, it is the largest system of higher education in Texas. Other institutions of higher learning include: Concordia University, Austin Community College, St. Edwards University, and Hustin- Tillotson.
The University of Texas at Austin’s annual economic impact on the state of Texas is $7.4 billion, according to a study conducted by the university’s Bureau of Business Research.
The research highlights the many ways UT Austin affects the economy:
Draws new consumers to the Central Texas region. Is the regions largest employer Is a major consumer of goods and services.
UT Austin’s global reach has also local impact. More than 4,500 students from more than 100 countries, the fifth-highest enrollment of international students in the nation, study at the university. The estimated annual contribution to the Austin economy from international students enrolled at UT Austin is $68 million.
Other highlights show:
The university’s nearly 50,000 students provide an annual economic impact of about $837 million into the local economy.
Climate
Central Texas doesn't normally see huge extremes in the weather, the change between hot and cold or dry and wet happen quickly. In general, Austin has a temperate climate with mild winters. However, summers can get hot and stay hot for weeks.
Average High: 79°F Average Low: 58°F Average Days of Sunshine: 300
Austin Attractions
Austin Museum of Art: This museum offers informative and informal art experiences. The centrally located galleries serve as the Museum’s principal exhibition site and present continually changing exhibitions and education programs that showcase an array of twentieth-century and contemporary art.
Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum: The Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum is one of eleven presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. The library houses forty million pages of historical documents.
Sixth Street: Sixth Street is lined with many historical houses and commercial buildings dating from the late 1800's and early 1900's, which now house numerous bars, a host of live entertainment venues, tattoo parlors, art galleries, casual cafes, and upscale restaurants. You can enjoy live music of every genre. Great food is a staple on Sixth Street.
The Capitol Building: The Capitol is a Renaissance Revival-style building made of Texas pink granite and native limestone.
Congress Avenue: Here you can find a one-street shopping experience which offers unique, chic clothing and locally designed accessories With many places to rest and eat, this part of the avenue is lined with antiques, boutiques, and galleries.
Zilker Park: This 400-acre park is home to natural spring-fed Barton Springs Pool, picnic grounds playscape rugby and soccer fields, a disc golf course, canoe and kayak rentals. You can enjoy a number of musical, theater and dance events at the Zilker Hillside Theatre, where the Austin Shakespeare Festival is held each year. Or, visit the Zilker Botanical Gardens.
Texas Hill Country: To know why many people love it here, you should take a drive on Loop 360. Your drive will take you through Westlake Hills and out of town into the Hill Country. A variety of bird species migrate through this part of the country. You can also, visit Mount Bonnell, and after climbing its 99 steps, you will have a great view of the city.
Austin Zoo: Austin Zoo is a rescue zoo and provides sanctuary to displaced animals from a variety of unfortunate and often neglectful situations.
Neighborhoods to Visit
Clarksville
Originally an African-American community half a mile outside of the city limits, Clarksville remains a melting pot of art and culture.
The Drag The strip of business along Guadalupe Street, bordering the University of Texas, is called "The Drag." Many of Austin's coolest shops are here. At the Renaissance Market, you will find jewelry, gifts and clothing made by Austin artisans.
Hyde Park
Take a leisurely walk or drive through this Central Austin neighborhood and view its historic homes. This unique area, the city's first planned suburb, has its own small grocery store, and has a theatre in its name.
Austin Statistics
2000 census population (rank): 656,562 (16); % change: 41.0; Male: 337,569 (51.4%); Female: 318,993 (48.6%); White: 429,100 (65.4%); Black: 65,956 (10.0%); American Indian and Alaska Native: 3,889 (0.6%); Asian: 30,960 (4.7%); Other race: 106,538 (16.2%); Two or more races: 19,650 (3.0%); Hispanic/Latino: 200,579 (30.5%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 77.5%; 65 and over: 6.7%; Median age: 29.6.
2004 population estimate (rank) : 681,804
Land area: 252 sq mi.;
Alt. : From 425 ft. to over 1000 ft.
Famous Residents
Don Baylor: baseball player and manager
Earl Campbell:football player
Liz Carpenter: author
Dabney Coleman: actor
Ben Crenshaw: golfer
Michael Dell: founder Dell Computer
Tobe Hooper: Film director
Lady Bird Johnson: former first lady
Willie Nelson: musician
Amado Pena: Musician
Zachary Scott: actor
Darrell Royal: football coach
Jerry Jeff Walker: musician
Travel
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