In 1838, a party of buffalo hunters that included Mirabeau B. Lamar, vice president of the Republic of Texas, camped at a pleasant spot on the Colorado River. In 1839, Lamar, then president of the republic, suggested this same spot as the site of a permanent capital. On high ground and far away from the fever dangers of the coast country, the site was selected even though it was on the frontier. Named for Stephen F. Austin, son of Moses Austin, leader of the first American colony in Texas, the new capital was planned-- and planned well. Situated at the foot of the Highland Lakes chain, the site was blessed with lakes--Austin and Town--which today wind their way through the heart of the city. The Capitol building, at the head of Congress Avenue, was later built on one of the hills that rises from the Colorado River Valley.

A city of handsome buildings, modern Austin boasts a unique version of New Orleans's Bourbon Street--Old Pecan Street. This seven-block strip of renovated Victorian and native limestone buildings on East 6th Street between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35 is a National Registered Historic District with more than 60 restaurants, clubs, and shops. On weekends, thousands gather to enjoy the street performers and nightlife.

As a state center of science, research, education, and government, Austin's economy is diversified between the state bureaucracy, the University of Texas, and the research and manufacturing of high-technology electronics.