Austin monuments are drenched in a history and mystique that is both southern tinged and wholly original to Texas. Texas history is on one side proud and rugged, while on the other stately and ornate. The numerous historic buildings and monuments in Austin tell the tale about a folk that braved and tamed the wilderness to transform the city of Austin into the urban modern town that it is.
State Capitol
Distinguished in the National Register of Historical Places in 1970, the Texas State Capitol is a lovely domed building that is paying homage to the country's white house, excepting the State Capitol building is "sunset red" granite. The building was completed in 1888 and was built in Renaissance Revival Style, primarily based on 15th century Italian architecture. The structure is characterized by symmetrical composition, round arches and rich elaborations. Outside walls are accented by baroque steel gates. In the 1990s, many restorations were done to increase the size to accommodate guests, making the Texas State Capitol the biggest state capital in terms of gross square footage, second largest only to the state's capital. Interior restorations were completed to the tune of $98 million, and in 1997 the grounds were renovated and restored at a cost of $8 million. Visitors can take a tour, visit the Capitol Complicated 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 structure to tour and get a feel of the history and culture of the city with its somewhat old-style ambiance. The facility has served as a home to every governor who has served Texas since the nation'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 classy structures. The mansion is well refitted with pieces of furniture, such as Sam Houston's bed, and a number of paintings and antiques from the old days. The villa was assembled with the use of bricks and wood material. During your visit 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 just about 20 min per tour. The villa is only open to visitors each 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, William Bonnell. It is a great area to go to visit to gain an improved view over the entire town of Austin. The monument stands 750 feet tall and is accessible through 100 high steps with great picturesque perspectives of the town, the western hills and even the Colorado Stream. 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 streets 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 people, 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. Now the hotel is a marvellously run 5 star hotel with great rooms, great dining at 1886 Cafeteria & Bakery and the 4-star Driskill Griddle with chef Jonathan Gelman. The Driskill even offers live entertainment nightly, generally 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 historical figures along with scores of Confederate squaddies which make up much of Austin's precious background.
State Capitol
Distinguished in the National Register of Historical Places in 1970, the Texas State Capitol is a lovely domed building that is paying homage to the country's white house, excepting the State Capitol building is "sunset red" granite. The building was completed in 1888 and was built in Renaissance Revival Style, primarily based on 15th century Italian architecture. The structure is characterized by symmetrical composition, round arches and rich elaborations. Outside walls are accented by baroque steel gates. In the 1990s, many restorations were done to increase the size to accommodate guests, making the Texas State Capitol the biggest state capital in terms of gross square footage, second largest only to the state's capital. Interior restorations were completed to the tune of $98 million, and in 1997 the grounds were renovated and restored at a cost of $8 million. Visitors can take a tour, visit the Capitol Complicated 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 structure to tour and get a feel of the history and culture of the city with its somewhat old-style ambiance. The facility has served as a home to every governor who has served Texas since the nation'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 classy structures. The mansion is well refitted with pieces of furniture, such as Sam Houston's bed, and a number of paintings and antiques from the old days. The villa was assembled with the use of bricks and wood material. During your visit 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 just about 20 min per tour. The villa is only open to visitors each 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, William Bonnell. It is a great area to go to visit to gain an improved view over the entire town of Austin. The monument stands 750 feet tall and is accessible through 100 high steps with great picturesque perspectives of the town, the western hills and even the Colorado Stream. 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 streets 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 people, 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. Now the hotel is a marvellously run 5 star hotel with great rooms, great dining at 1886 Cafeteria & Bakery and the 4-star Driskill Griddle with chef Jonathan Gelman. The Driskill even offers live entertainment nightly, generally 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 historical figures along with scores of Confederate squaddies which make up much of Austin's precious background.
About the Author:
Rachel Rosen has been fascinated by Austin landmarks for many years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more information about Austin monuments please visit her site.
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