Austin

Austin master builder Abner Cook was responsible for the design and construction of the Governor’s Mansion Texas. Approximately a decade after Texas became a state in 1845, the legislature appropriated $14,500 for the Mansion. The building contract was then handed to Abner Cook, who designed the residence in the fashionable Greek Revival style. He used his own clay pit on the Colorado River, not far from the construction site, to form the bricks that still support the Mansion's walls today, demonstrating his vision and inventiveness. The years that followed brought a plethora of colourful stories to life within these walls – with plenty of art and antique collections also on display.

The Texas State Capitol Building is one of the most famous and recognizable buildings in the state. It was built between 1882 and 1888, and it is situated on a hill overlooking downtown Austin. The building has been changed over time with various additions made throughout the years. It now includes a large dome, which covers a rotunda with a grand staircase leading to it. The dome was designed by architect Elijah Ealy Clark, who also designed many other buildings in Texas such as the Old State Capitol Building, the University of Texas Tower, and more. The building became an official National Historic Landmark in 1960. The Texas State Capitol Building separates the State Capitol Mall from the rest of downtown. It is open to the public. The building was constructed during a time of economic crisis in Texas, due to the agricultural depression and resulting low income from farming. Funding for construction came from state bonds, rather than taxes. The Texas Capitol Building is primarily made out of limestone obtained from quarries around Pecan Point, and sandstone obtained from nearby Barton Creek. This is not all there is about this historic monument. In this article, we reveal 10 interesting facts every tourist needs to know about the Texas Capitol Building. Let’s dive in!