Austin, TX
Music connected to Austin
Ready to two-step your way into the heart of Texas? Austin, the state capital, is a musical hotbed that's referenced in over 240 songs! Artists like Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears and Austin Upchurch call this vibrant city home, and the air buzzes with creative energy. You can practically feel the inspiration that led to songs like Reckless Kelly's "Crazy Eddie's Last Hurrah," a nod to a beloved local venue, and Wade Bowen's "So Long 6th Street," a sonic road map of the city's famous nightlife.
Beyond the music, Austin is a city steeped in history and natural beauty. Founded in 1839 and named after Stephen F. Austin, it's a place where the Texas Hill Country rolls into a modern metropolis. Explore the Barton Creek Greenbelt, cool off in its natural swimming holes, and keep an eye out for the endangered Barton Springs Salamander. With a vibe that blends laid-back charm with a touch of "Silicon Hills" innovation, Austin is a destination that will leave you humming its tunes long after you leave.
About Austin
- • Matthew McConaughey, the acclaimed actor, calls Austin home.
- • Whole Foods Market, the grocery chain, was founded in Austin in 1980.
- • The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s spurred Austin's growth.
- • Austin is home to the Cathedral of Junk, an ever-growing art installation.
- • The devastating 1935 flood reshaped Austin's landscape and infrastructure.
- • It was named after Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas."
- • With over 1 million residents, it's the 11th largest city in the U.S.
- • The vibe is a blend of creative energy and laid-back charm.
- • Matthew McConaughey, the acclaimed actor, calls Austin his home.
- • Whole Foods Market, the popular grocery chain, started in Austin in 1980.
- • Austin became the capital of Texas in 1839, solidifying its importance.
- • Austin has the only Formula 1 track in the United States.
- • The Great Depression severely impacted Austin's economy, slowing growth.
- • It's named after Stephen F. Austin and was incorporated in 1839.
- • With over 974,000 residents, it rivals San Jose in size.
- • Austin's elevation is about 492 feet, offering gentle rolling hills.
- • Technology is a major industry, earning Austin the nickname 'Silicon Hills'.
- • Being in Austin feels like embracing creativity and vibrant energy.
- • The limestone bedrock dates to the Cretaceous period, 145 million years ago.
- • Barton Creek Greenbelt features several natural swimming holes and cliffs.
- • The Colorado River flows through Austin, forming Lady Bird Lake.
- • The endangered Barton Springs Salamander is only found in and around Barton Springs.
- • Texas Bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) are a common wildflower in the Austin area.
- • Tonkawa, Comanche, and Lipan Apache tribes inhabited the area before European settlement.
- • In 1911, the Great Austin Flood devastated the city, killing dozens.
- • The Texas State Capitol, completed in 1888, is made of Sunset Red Granite.
- • The Driskill Hotel is rumored to be haunted by its original owner, Colonel Jesse Driskill.
- • Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway) offers scenic views of the Texas Hill Country.