Population. 477,227 Altitude. 550

In 1839 five mounted scouts ranged over a broad area of wilderness seeking a site for a new capitol city for the Republic of Texas. Location on north bank of Colorado River was chosen, where rich blacklands meet scenic hills. Site occupied at the time by a four-family settlement called Waterloo. Name honors Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas." About the first of Sept. 1839, archives and furniture of Texas government were transported from Houston to Austin by 50 ox-drawn wagons.

Institutions of higher learning include Austin Community College, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Concordia Luthern Colledge, Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, Huston-Tillotson College, St. Edward's University and the University of Texas at Austin.

Major annual event is Aqua Festival held alte summer. Widely known for its diverse music comminity and live music scene, Austin has it all - blues, country/western, reggae, jazz, swing and rock. Performed in various clubs around city and at night spots along sixth street.

The city is home to nation's largest urban bat colony found under the Congress Ave. birdge duing the summer. A kiosk on north shore of Twon Lake's hike-and-bike trail near Four Seasons Hotel and one on the south shore inform visitors when and where to watch for the nocturnal mammals.

The Greater Austin Area offers more than 20 bed and breakfast establishments.

Austin Children's Museum- Children of all ages can touch, play and climb to their hearts content. Museum activities relate to three themes: how different people live, the human body, and everyday science and thechnology.

Austin Nature Center- Exhibits of science, natural history and botany.

Austin Visitor Center- For details about events and city attractions stop by the visitor center operated by the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau at 201 E. 2nd St.

Celebration Station - Youngsters love the entertaining games and amusements that include go-cart tracks, batting cages with fast and slow pitching, bumper boats, and lots more.

Celis Brewery - What was once a dream for Belgian brew master Pierre Celis to open a brewery in America is a reality. Brewery produces three brews. Celis White, Celis Pale Bock and Celis Golden. Tours are available.

Daughers of the Republic of Texas Museum - Exhibits of Republic of Texas memorabilia. 510 E. Anderson Lane.

Dougherty Arts Center - Offers a variety of visual and performing arts programs, as well as fine-arts school with multi-disciplinary classes and workshops. Gallery features works in all media and subject matter.

Elisabet Ney Museum - National Historic Site and studio of famed German sculpturess who immigrated to Texas in the 1870's. Her works stand in European Smithsonian National Museum of American Art. Largest collection at her studio her. 304 E. 44th St.

French Legation - Bult 1840 by Comte Alphonse e Saligny, French charge d'affaires to the Republic of Texas; a gem of Creaole architecture with a superb collection of period furnishings. 802 San Marcos St.

George Washington Carver Museum - Changing exhibits of black history and culture of Austin and Travis County; photos, artifacts, fold craft and art. 1165 E Angelina St.

Good Day Ranch- Delightful children's zoo in southwest Travis County offers children of all ages hands-on encounter with many different animals. Pony rides, picnic area, and party barn. 10807 Rawhide Tr.

Governor's Mansion - Dignified white-columned mansion built 1856. The Governor occupies a private second-floor apartment. Other elegant rooms and antique funishings may be seen on pulic tours. 1010 Colorado St.

Hamilton Pool Preserve - Long a treasured swimming hole for Austinites and Univ. of Texas students, this grotto-like pool is one of Texas' most beautiful. 60-ft. waterfall spills into a deep, jade-green pool.

Hill Country Flyer - Steam excursion train runs through Hill Country from Cedar Park City Hall near U.S. 183 and R. M. 1431 to Burnet. Train pulled by Engine No. 786, a 75-year-old steam locomotive once displayed in downtown Austin. Ride is two hours throught scenic countryside. Following short layover in Burnet, it's two hours back.

Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farm - Outdoor museum recalls story of rural life in central Texas. Help pick cotton and see it spun into yarn, or gather around the fire and sing old time favorites played on pump organ.

Laguna Gloria Art museum - Home of Texas Fine Arts Association in Italianate villa on shore of Lake Austin at site first chosen by Stephen F. Austin for his home. Changing exhibitions of 20th Century American art; classses, films and lectures.

Lake Cruises - Capital Cruises: Excursions on Town Lake and Lake Austin take two to eight people on family outings, sunset cruises, bat-watching excursions, or private getaways for an hour or longer. Catering available. Also, pontoon, paddle boat, canoe and kayak rental.

Lydon B. Johnson Library and Museum - Archives/museum relating to LBJ and office of presidency in general; colorful highlights of political campaigns. Exhibits include gifts from foreign heads of stare, a moon rock, replica of Oval Office and changing exhibits.

McKinney Falls State Park - At confluence of Onion and Williamson Creeks with quiet pools, occasional rapis and waterfalls. Excellent visitor center, hiking and interpretive trails, campsites, playground, ruins of home-stead of Thomas F. McKinney, one of Stephen F. Austin's original 300 colonists.

Manor Downs - Quarter Horse ari-mutual racing is held during spring and fall just minutes from Austin.

Mount Bonnell - At western edge of city overlooking Lake Austin; dramatic views of city and Hill Country.

National Wildflwoer Research Center - Founded by Lady Bird Johnson in 1982, the Center moved in 1995 from a former hay field to a 42- acre site in auditorium and five classroom-sizes meeting areas. The grounds include numerous research display gardens, landscaped areas, and themed gardens. The Center is the only national nonprofit research and educational organization committed to the preservation and reestablishment of native plants in planned landscapes. Visitor center with museum quality exhibits. Especially colorful during spring.

Neill-Cochran House - Domicile of National Society of Colonial Dames of America in Texas. Greek Revival architecture circ 1853. Antique furnishings and historic documents.

O. Henry Home - Residence of William Sydney Porter, eminent short story writer who signed his works "O. Henry." Porter liven in Austin 1885-95.

Old Bakery and Emporium - Built as bakery by Swedish immigrant Charles Lundberg in 1876; now craft shop selling handicrafts and baked goods by senior citizens. 1006 Congress.

Parks- Eight major park areas of more than 5,600 acres, including four muincipal golf courses, 42 playgrounds, 21 swimming pools, 39 tennis court areas, four community recreation centers and 71 athletic fields.

Sixth Street (Old Pecan Street) - Before the Capitol was built and shifted the center of commerce to Congress Avenue, Ole Pecan Street was Austin's main street. Neglected for years, it's been rehorn with restaurants, clubs, shops and art galleries occupying the Victorian and native stone-buildings. Carnival atmosphere especially apparent on weekends.

State Cemetery - The "Arlington of Texas" where monuments mark resting places of nearly 2,000 patriots, statesmen, and heroes of Texas, including tombs of Stephen F. Austin and Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston.