Top Monuments in Austin Worth Visiting

By Rachel Rosen


Austin monuments are drenched in a history and mystique that is both southern tinged and 100% unique to Texas. Texas history is on one side proud and craggy, while on the other stately and ornate. The numerous historic buildings and monuments in Austin tell the story about a people that braved and tamed the badlands to transform the city into the urban modern town that it has become.

State Capitol

Distinguished in the Nation's Register of Historical Places in 1970, the Texas State Capitol is a pretty domed building that's reminiscent of the nation's white house, apart from that the State Capitol building is "sunset red" granite. The structure was completed in 1888 and was built in Renaissance Revival Style, based on 15th century Italian design. The structure is characterized by symmetrical composition, round arches and rich embellishments. Outside walls are accented by baroque steel gates. In the 1990s, many restorations were done to increase the size to accommodate occupants, making the Texas State Capitol the largest state capital in terms of gross sq footage, 2nd largest only to the country's capital. Interior restorations were finished to the tune of $98 million, and in 1997 the grounds were remodeled and restored at a price of $8 million. People can take a tour, visit the Capitol Complex Visitors Center, Capitol Gift Shop and Texas State History Museum.

Governor's Mansion

Situated in Colorado Street in Austin, Texas, the Governor's Mansion is an incredible piece to tour and get a feel of the culture and history of the city with its somewhat old-skool ambiance. The facility has served as a home to every governor who has served Texas since the state's fifth. The Governor's Mansion was designed by the well-recognized designer Abner Cook during 1865 and is one of Austin's most classic and classy structures. The house is well repaired with pieces of furniture,eg Sam Houston's bed, and a number of paintings and antiques from the old days. The mansion was assembled with the utilising of bricks and wood material. During your visit to the facility, keep an eye 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 around 20 minutes per tour. The house is only open to visitors every Monday to Thursday with admission free.

Mount Bonnell

Located in the northerly part of downtown Austin, Mount Bonnell is named after the journalist and soldier who fought in the Texan war for independence, William Bonnell. It is a great area to go and 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 views of the town, the western hills and even the Colorado River. 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 highways 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 lawmaking assembly while the Texas State Capitol was being built, among others, some of which has been reported to never have left. Recent Driskill Hotel guests have reported many bizarre things goings on and many individuals, including staff, believe 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 beautifully run luxury hotel with great rooms, great dining at 1886 Cafe & Bakery and the 4-star Driskill Griddle with chef Jonathan Gelman. The Driskill even offers live entertainment nightly, usually 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 historic site in its own right. Visitors taking a tour through the graveyard will note the burial place of many historic figures with scores of Confederate squaddies which make up much of Austin's precious background.




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