The capital of Texas (USA) is the city of Austin. It was founded in 1839 and is now the center of administrative and political activity of the entire state. This metropolis is named after one of its founders. The local population is just over 885 thousand people. Along with this, in recent decades, there has been a tendency to increase the number of its inhabitants. This is mainly due to the constant migration processes in the country.
Geographical position
The state capital of Texas is located on the shores of Lady Beard, a large large lake in the central part of the state. Its total area is more than 770 square kilometers. Nearby, the Colorado River carries its waters. It should be noted that in the city there are several more artificial reservoirs. They are surrounded by numerous parks and gardens with dense greenery, which in many respects contributes to the active pursuit of sports (especially water species) by local residents. In addition, for about 300 days a year there is warm, sunny weather.
Short story
As early as the beginning of the sixteenth century, the interest on Spanish mariners was caused by the land on which the current capital of the state of Texas (USA) was built. The fact is that among them there were legends about large reserves of gold in this territory. However, the conquerors were expected in its place by tribes of aboriginal cannibals, very hostile against the conquistadors. Be that as it may, over the next 300 years, Spain managed to maintain control of this region.
Just before the start of the Texas War of Independence, in 1835, a village called Waterloo was founded at the current location of the city, on the northern bank of the Colorado River. Four years later, after the declaration of independence of the republic, its vice president Mirabeau Lamar made a proposal to choose a village as an administrative center. Although many of his opponents were supporters of Houston, this proposal was still accepted. In 1839, the already overgrown city was renamed Austin. The capital of Texas has maintained its status after its accession to the United States in 1845.
The city of bats
One of Austin's most famous nicknames is “Batcity,” which is translated from English as “the city of bats.” This is due to the fact that every year thousands of these animals settle under the local Anne Richards Bridge on Congress Avenue. The fact is that its design is an ideal place for breeding bats. Thousands of people constantly come here to watch their evening flight to hunt against the setting sun.
Tourist attraction
The capital of Texas attracts a large number of tourists with its natural beauty, art galleries, museums, historic buildings and vibrant nightlife. One of its most beautiful places is considered the State Capitol. In addition to it, the residence of the French ambassador, erected in 1841, the campus of the University of Texas, as well as the oldest hotel in the city “Driskill”, which opened in 1886, are very popular among travelers.
Not far from the center of Austin is its largest natural area - Zilker Park. It is a very popular place among locals. All its visitors have the opportunity to play football here, rent a bicycle or canoe, or just take a walk in the excellent garden.
University of Texas
One of the best educational institutions in all of North America is the University of Texas, whose location is the capital of Texas. Its complex includes a total of seven museums and thirteen libraries. The opening of this educational institution took place in 1883. It served as a strong impetus for the development of the entire state. In 1924, considerable reserves of oil were found on the land that belonged to the university . That is what made him one of the leading in the whole country, which led to the rapid popularization and technological development of the city.
The development of modern technology
At the beginning of this century, the state capital of Texas has become one of the largest American centers of advanced technology. Due to the high concentration of enterprises operating in this area, the city is sometimes called "Silicone Hills". One cannot but note the role of the University of Texas mentioned above. This educational institution annually graduates thousands of specialists in programming and engineering. All of them have wide employment opportunities in leading IT companies, whose offices are located in Austin.
Sport
As noted above, the capital of Texas is an ideal place for sports. This is facilitated by the presence of not only parks and forest zones, but also a well-developed infrastructure. In particular, the city has built more than 45 kilometers of bicycle and pedestrian paths, as well as a large number of sports grounds, the total area of which exceeds the mark of seven thousand square meters. In addition, there are numerous tennis courts and clubs in Austin.
Interesting Facts
Despite a well-developed sports infrastructure, the city is the largest metropolis in the United States, which is not represented by its team in any major league of the American championship. In this regard, local residents, as a rule, cheer for the teams of the University of Texas.
The phrase “Keep the city unique” is Austin's motto that can be found on any souvenir purchased here.
The height of the local Capitol is seven meters higher than the Washington Congress building with the same architecture.
The capital of Texas in 2008 was named the most drinking city in the United States according to the Forbes publication. Studies have shown that more than 60% of its inhabitants at least once a month consumed alcoholic beverages.