There’s so much more to Austin than meets the eye. Peering through antique photographs will whisk you back in time and show you a glimpse of what this vibrant city looked like in its early days. Austin, Texas shimmers with fascinating history, and here are the pictures to prove it. These are the oldest photos ever taken in Austin, and they’re absolutely incredible.
- Sholz Garten, 1866
O. Henry Museum/Facebook Built in 1866, Sholz Garten is the oldest restaurant in Texas. Even after 150 years, this iconic beer garden is still going strong.
- Mount Bonnell, 1889
Wikimedia Commons Mount Bonnell has been a popular tourist destination since the 1850s, and it’s easy to see why. The stunning Lake Austin views will take your breath away.
- The Texas State Capitol fire, 1881
Wikimedia Commons Before the grand, granite building was constructed, the Texas State capitol was a modest, wooden structure. Henry McBride caused this accidental fire in 1881 that caused massive damage. Luckily, plans for today’s stunning building were already underway.
- The interior of the Texas State Capitol, 1890
Wikimedia Commons The Texas State Capitol has undergone many changes since its completion in 1888, but its grandeur stands as proud as ever.
- The Driskill Hotel, Late 1880s
The Driskill/Facebook The Driskill was built in 1886 and has stood as a luxurious, five-star hotel ever since. The first long distance phone call was placed within these grand walls, and LBJ had his first date with Lady Bird at the Driskill’s 1886 Cafe.
- The University of Texas, 1908
Wikimedia Commons This antiquated picture shows what The University of Texas campus looked like in 1908. As you can see, The Forty Acres has seen tremendous growth throughout the years.
- Enchanted Rock, 1912
Wikimedia Commons Even without its golden pink hues, Enchanted Rock stands in majestic beauty. This huge granite dome, located in Fredericksburg, has intrigued visitors for centuries. Native American tribes once believed this natural batholith had magical powers.
- The Goddess of Liberty. 1888
Wikimedia Commons In this photo, the Goddess of Liberty stands tall beneath the completed Texas State Capitol. In 1986, a newer model replaced her. The original Goddess now makes her home at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.
- Elisabet Ney’s Studio, 1905
Elisabet Ney Museum/Facebook Elisabet Ney was an artistic trailblazer in the late 1800s. After moving to Austin from Germany in the early 1870s, Ney built her studio in present-day Hyde Park. She’s famous for sculpting the busts of prominent leaders of her time. Several of her pieces make their home at the Texas State Capitol.
- West Austin Fire Company #7, 1905
Austin Fire Department/Facebook Now simply called Fire Station 4, The West Austin Fire Company is the only operating firehouse that dates back to days of volunteer firefighters with horse-drawn carriages.
- UT ladies’ basketball team, 1902
Dolph Briscoe Center for American History/Facebook This picture, found in The University of Texas 1902 Cactus yearbook, shows the members of the UT ladies’ basketball team. Their delicately coiffed ‘dos are a blast from the past.
Yearning for some sweet nostalgia? Check out these nine things you can’t do in Austin anymore, but wish you could. For even more old photos, visit The Harry Ransom Center, home to the first photograph ever taken.
O. Henry Museum/Facebook
Built in 1866, Sholz Garten is the oldest restaurant in Texas. Even after 150 years, this iconic beer garden is still going strong.
Wikimedia Commons
Mount Bonnell has been a popular tourist destination since the 1850s, and it’s easy to see why. The stunning Lake Austin views will take your breath away.
Before the grand, granite building was constructed, the Texas State capitol was a modest, wooden structure. Henry McBride caused this accidental fire in 1881 that caused massive damage. Luckily, plans for today’s stunning building were already underway.
The Texas State Capitol has undergone many changes since its completion in 1888, but its grandeur stands as proud as ever.
The Driskill/Facebook
The Driskill was built in 1886 and has stood as a luxurious, five-star hotel ever since. The first long distance phone call was placed within these grand walls, and LBJ had his first date with Lady Bird at the Driskill’s 1886 Cafe.
This antiquated picture shows what The University of Texas campus looked like in 1908. As you can see, The Forty Acres has seen tremendous growth throughout the years.
Even without its golden pink hues, Enchanted Rock stands in majestic beauty. This huge granite dome, located in Fredericksburg, has intrigued visitors for centuries. Native American tribes once believed this natural batholith had magical powers.
In this photo, the Goddess of Liberty stands tall beneath the completed Texas State Capitol. In 1986, a newer model replaced her. The original Goddess now makes her home at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.
Elisabet Ney Museum/Facebook
Elisabet Ney was an artistic trailblazer in the late 1800s. After moving to Austin from Germany in the early 1870s, Ney built her studio in present-day Hyde Park. She’s famous for sculpting the busts of prominent leaders of her time. Several of her pieces make their home at the Texas State Capitol.
Austin Fire Department/Facebook
Now simply called Fire Station 4, The West Austin Fire Company is the only operating firehouse that dates back to days of volunteer firefighters with horse-drawn carriages.
Dolph Briscoe Center for American History/Facebook
This picture, found in The University of Texas 1902 Cactus yearbook, shows the members of the UT ladies’ basketball team. Their delicately coiffed ‘dos are a blast from the past.
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