Experience The Real Austin

Located in the state of Texas, Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World” and is home to one of the largest universities in the United States. The city has a diverse population that includes both non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics, as well as Asians, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders. In addition, Austin has a low unemployment rate of 3.2%, compared to the United States average of 4.2%. Despite the economic hardships of the Great Depression, Austin fared better than most cities.

Austin’s growth was largely due to its water resources. The city fathers leased water power to manufacturers. The Lower Colorado River Authority system provided cheap hydroelectric power. The city also acquired Barton Springs in 1918. In the 1960s, Austin impounded a downtown lake behind the Longhorn Crossing Dam. This created a recreational area. The city also passed a series of environmental protection ordinances in the 1970s and 1980s.

During the 1900s, segregation characterized many aspects of Austin. Blacks were confined to the east side of town, and municipal services were available only to them. The city’s elite built elegant Greek Revival mansions. African Americans were also shut out of political leadership. In 1909, a reform group led by A. P. Wooldridge worked to change that. However, by the end of the decade, segregation was evident in most aspects of Austin. In 1860, the population had climbed to 3,546 and included 1,019 slaves.

By 1860, 35 percent of Austin’s family heads were African Americans. In 1900, the city’s population was about 22,258. Only two Blacks served on the city council. A number of African-American businesses were also operating in Austin, including a bank and a post office. But by 1910, most of the city’s Blacks lived in scattered dwellings.

In the late nineteenth century, segregation was still evident in Austin, but the lines of separation were more rigid. By the early twentieth century, Blacks were confined to the east side, while Mexicans and Latinos resided on the west. In 1928, the city plan recommended that the East Austin area be designated as a “Negro district.” In the 1970s, segregation was still a factor, and the lines of separation were strengthened. By 2000, the majority of the population was Hispanic, and the percentage of African Americans was less than 2%.

By 1990, the city had more than tripled its corporate area. The first African American and Mexican Americans were elected to the Austin school board in 1972 and 1975, respectively. The Mexican American population reached 39,399 in 1970. In 2004, Austin was ranked #12 on the list of top biotech centers by the Milken Institute.

In the 1990s, a council-manager government was implemented. The city’s population grew faster in the 1930s than in any other decade. By the end of the decade, the city’s population had increased to 87,930. This was the largest increase in the city’s history.

The residential real estate market has also remained relatively strong, and in recent years the skyline has changed dramatically. The city has plans for 31 high-rise projects to be completed between 2017 and 2020. Some of these projects will exceed 400 feet in height.

Point of Interest #1 Central District Brewing, 417 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Point of Interest #2 Casino El Camino, 517 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

Point of Interest #3 Brush Square (O. Henry Museum), 409 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78701

Driving Directions TO Lincoln-Goldfinch Law From Brush Square (O. Henry Museum)

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