Stew Thornley - A History Lover’s Guide to Austin

FOREWORD

Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States and among the top cities to visit and recommend for return visits. The natural beauty, geography, hospitality, attitudes and history have beckoned visitors and potential residents for over fifteen thousand years. A quote from Mr. Weemss book is apt: The same breathtaking beauty that draws more than fifty-five thousand new residents to Austin each year has drawn human life to the comfortable climes for longer than we can truly comprehend.

Jason is, like me, a tour guide, historian, one who is passionate about Austins rich history, natural beauty and its creativity. Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World. Speaking of creativity, in addition to being an outstanding tour guide and historian, Jason is also a singer-songwriter, a contributor to Austins aforementioned live music moniker, so Jason is uniquely qualified to write a guide to Austin.

Jasons book shares with you the stories of some of Austins legendary figures, household names such as the citys namesake Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, Lyndon Baines Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson, but also Angelina Eberly, Azie Taylor Morton, Clara Driscoll, Isamu Taniguchi and Emma S. Barrientos.

Come and explore the legend of lost gold along Shoal Creek, which interested an ambitious young man within the employ of the Texas Land Office, who would later make a name for himself in the literary world. Also check out the story of the woman who fired the shot heard round Austin, ensuring that Austin would remain the capital of the young Republic of Texas. And dont forget the story of Custers Field, named for an area where the Seventh Cavalry once camped and was commandeered by thatGeneral Custer.

Jason shows you how Austinitesas Austin residents are calledhave continuously claimed and reclaimed spaces and landmarks, including a bridge in downtown Austin that is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, for the enjoyment of visitors and residents alike. Learn how all this (and more) makes up the natural, cultural and creative DNA of Austin, and see for yourself why Austin has become such a unique city.

Welcome to Austinthe capital of Texas, the City of the Violet Crown, the Live Music Capital of Texas, the Friendly City. And remember to Keep Austin Weird!

H ARRISON D AVID E PPRIGHT

Manager of Visitor Services and Tour Ambassador at Visit Austin Tour Docent for SixSquare: Austins Black Cultural District Tour Docent at the Driskill Hotel

Host of Juneteenth Jamboreeon KLRU/PBS