Austin, TX
From the Archives: Learn 20,000 years of Austin history in 20 minutes
Out on the Austin speaking circuit, I often rely on stock speeches.
One audience favorite: “20,000 years of Austin history in 20 minutes.”
The title, at least, never fails to generate a laugh.
And those 20 minutes are usually followed by 40 minutes of sharp questions.
For the next few “From the Archives” columns, I thought it would be challenging to adapt that speech, built around 10 decisive moments in Austin history. After this introductory column, I’ll roll out each decisive moment, supported by material from our archives, over the course of 10 weeks.
10 decisive moments in Austin history
- The arrival of humans (20,000 years ago): Mike Collins and other archeological experts have dated prehistorical human activity in Central Texas to 20,000 years ago by interpreting artifacts recovered from the Gault Site north of Austin. Why did these Paleo-Indians, forebears of the Native Americans such as the Tonkawa, choose this area? The same reason others have done so since then: abundant food, water, shelter and materials that make life meaningful. Included at the Gault Site, for instance, are tiny art objects.
- The arrival of Europeans and Africans (500 years ago): Spaniard Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and an Arabic-speaking African named Esteban de Dorantes (Estevanico) were among 80 men shipwrecked on the Texas Gulf Coast. Four of them survived and spent the next years exploring the interior. Unlike what was accomplished in South Texas, the Spanish did not make a lasting impact on this part of Central Texas, although they briefly planted missions in the Austin area in 1730. Native Americans, including the Austin-area Tonkawa, still controlled most of the land that the Spanish, French, Mexicans and, later, Americans claimed in Texas until the mid-19th century.
- The arrival of Americans (200 years ago): Led by Stephen F. Austin, American colonists poured into Texas during the 1820s. Many brought along enslaved African Americans, although a few free Black families also immigrated. The colonists settled mainly in the Colorado and Brazos river basins. During the 1830s, they allied with a fair number of Tejanos in rebellion against the central government of Mexico, which led to Texas independence in 1836. Very soon after that, German, Czech and other immigrants took advantage of the newly available land as Native Americans were pushed to the west and north.
- Austin chosen as Republic of Texas capital (1839): A wilderness hamlet formerly named Waterloo, planted on a bluff above the Colorado River, Austin made an unlikely site for a national, much less a purportedly imperial capital. It lay deep within Native American territory without easy links to existing Texas population centers. Yet newcomers embraced its natural beauty, located on rolling prairies and clear creeks east of the “Colorado Mountains.” The urban grid laid out in 1839 still serves the needs of Central Austin nimbly today.
- Arrival of emancipation and railroads (1860-70s): Austin was not a center of slave trade, or for that matter, any trade, unlike Houston or Galveston, but more than 20% of its population was African American when the the Civil War began in 1861. After Texans learned of emancipation on June 19, 1865, many former enslaved people founded “freedom colonies” of independent African American landowners. Their descendants often are counted among the civil rights leaders of the 20th century. On Christmas Day in 1871, the railroad arrived from Houston, revolutionizing the local economy, culture and social life. Without railroads, Austin would not have become a city.
- The University of Texas founded (1883): Although only a few male students matriculated when classes began in temporary quarters, UT quickly became the second defining institution in Austin after government — itself to be represented by the city’s largest building in 1888, the domed Texas Capitol. Its faculty laid the intellectual foundation for the city’s future in science, engineering, technology, law, business, literature, music, movies and the arts. Just as promised in the Texas constitution, UT has become a global force in education, now complemented by a cluster of area colleges and universities.
- The Austin Dam collapses (1900): When the dam across the Colorado River, completed in 1893 out of giant granite blocks, collapsed during one of the city’s devastating floods, it changed the intended course of Austin development. Instead of a manufacturing and distribution center supported by cheap electricity, Austin became the “home city” or “city of homes,” as defined by the leafy neighborhoods — segregated from the 1920s to the 1960s — that surround downtown and what long remained its two major economic engines — government and the university.
- The federal government intervenes (1900s): Few people today recognize the huge impact made by several waves of federal intervention in the city. The feds planted military bases and training camps around Austin during the world wars. They funneled relief money through the capital city during the Great Depression, when federal funding helped pay for bridges, streets, state structures and the UT Tower, along with the Highland Lakes dams that provided crucial protection from the worst floods, while supplying water and electricity as well as recreational opportunities. Then after World War II, the feds turned over to UT a closed magnesium plant north of town that became a research center and the locus of Austin’s high tech boom.
- A distinctive Austin culture flourishes (1960s-2000s): While real wealth arrived for the first time with the tech boom, the city’s creative culture thrived, sequentially, in the fields of music, moviemaking, traditional arts, digital arts and innovative dining. Meanwhile, the political culture gelled during the 1970s as the new antiwar, youth, green, gay, Chicano and women’s movements joined the traditional labor and civil rights groups in a progressive coalition that survives, if uneasily, to this day.
- Austin character matures (now): Cultures were not the only things that evolved. Austin’s collective character, as observed during daily reporting on the scene, can be described as open (to difference, to change, to stasis), smart (not just in the bookish sense), kind (not merely its quickly multiplying nonprofits), fun (the party never stops) and alert (to the world as well as the community). This was not always the case and is still not always the case today. Yet it makes Austin more than just another big city.
A 27-year-old Pflugerville man faces capital murder charges for allegedly killing his parents and his brother, according to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. The bodies of 62-year-old Armand, 63-year-old Jami and 31-year-old Noah Dahan were found by deputies conducting a welfare check Thursday at their home on Civorno Drive. Deputies said the victims had suffered gunshot wounds. https://www.kxan.com/news/crime/tcso-pflugerville-triple-homicide/
AUSTIN, Texas — The Long Center just dropped details on The Drop-In, a free summer concert series on the outdoor H-E-B Stage.
The Levitt VIBE Austin Music Series, which is partnered with KUTX 98.9, begins May 21 and takes place every Thursday except July 2.
On Friday, the center released the 23 artists performing:
- Bonnie Montgomery
- CAZAYOUX
- Como Las Movies
- Fastball
- Felt Out
- francene rouelle
- Girl Guitar’s Rhinestone Renegades
- Grace Sorensen
- Gus Baldwin & The Sketch
- Hayden Butler
- Jackie Venson
- Je’Texas
- KindKeith
- Lew Apollo
- Lindsay Beaver
- Los Desechos
- LUCIRI
- Mean Jolene
- Paige Plaisance
- Ruthie Craft
- Sue Foley
- Sweet Limb
- The Magic Rockers of Texas
A social media poster for the event also featured a redacted performer’s name, hinting at a surprise guest.
On Monday, the Long Center will open RSVPs for The Drop-In, with Long Center members getting first dibs on those RSVPs. Members also enjoy early entrance and a special lounge.
Students representing schools from across the Texas Panhandle gathered at the Texas State Capitol on Monday, May 4, for the inaugural Panhandle Capitol Leadership Program, organized and hosted by State Representative Caroline Fairly.
The program brought together students from several school districts spanning hundreds of miles of the Panhandle, giving them direct access to the halls of state government. Throughout the day, the middle school students engaged with the legislative process through tours of the Capitol, etiquette training, a visit to the Governor’s Mansion, and presenting bill ideas to their peers.
An immersive civic education experience, the program was designed to bridge the distance between the Panhandle and Austin, giving students the opportunity to consider a future in public service. Fairly intends to continue the program in future years.
“One of the most important things we can do for the future of Texas is make sure our young people understand how their government actually works,” Fairly said. “The students who came to Austin today didn’t just observe the legislative process; they engaged with it. That kind of hands-on civic education is what turns curious students into engaged and productive adults.”
The following exceptional students participated in the program:
- Follett ISD: Randi Purgason, Angel Aguilar, and Gideon Stinson;
- Stratford ISD: Hellen Chitic and Monse Zamudio;
- River Road ISD: Kaydence Kovar, Lillie Stubblefield, and Kathryn Ruiz;
- San Jacinto Christian Academy: Cate Dowdy;
- Ascension Academy: Anima Tumula, Grae Gerig, and Zadie Shreffler;
- The Oaks: Ellie Carbajal, Aylah Jones, and Paige Solomon;
- Amarillo ISD: Mason Perry, Norah Bennett, and Jocelynn Guevara; and
- Perryton ISD: Andrew Russell.
“Seeing this extremely bright group of students presenting their ideas was one of the most rewarding experiences of my legislative career so far,” Representative Fairly added. “I am grateful to every student, teacher, and parent who made the trip. The future of the Panhandle is in excellent hands.”
Other community news
Kelly Preston, Senior Vice President and Human Resources Director at FirstBank Southwest, has been selected as a recipient of the Emerging Leader Award by the Texas Bankers Foundation. The award will be presented at the Texas Bankers Association’s 141st Annual Convention during a special awards luncheon. “Kelly represents the very best of what this industry needs as it looks to the future,” said Andy Marshall, President and CEO of FirstBank Southwest. “Her leadership is grounded in integrity, collaboration, and a genuine care for people. She brings those values into every part of her work, and we’re proud to see her recognized by the Texas Bankers Foundation as an emerging leader.” For more information, visit www.texasbankers.com/Foundation and check out Texas Banking Magazine, the official publication of the Texas Bankers Association, which includes a special feature on the 2026 award winners.
Ceta Canyon Camp and Retreat Center will host a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, May 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate the completion of its new Camp Safety Initiatives and Protocols and to recognize the generous donors who helped make them possible. The event will be held at the Ceta Canyon Welcome Center, located at 37201 FM 1721, in Happy. “Safety is one of the deepest ways we love the families who trust us with their kids,” said Joe Alarcon, CEO of Ceta Canyon Camp and Retreat Center. “We are also honored to recognize Heaven’s 27 and the fulfillment of the provisions outlined in the new bill. As one of the few organizations to receive licensure, we are grateful to lead the way in meeting these important standards.”
The Amarillo Symphony announced that Damian Blacksher, a senior at Dumas High School and a three-year bassoonist with the Amarillo Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO), has been named the inaugural recipient of the Claire Stovall Scholarship. The $2,500 award will assist Damian as he pursues a Bachelor of Music degree at the Baylor University School of Music in fall 2026. The Claire Stovall Scholarship was established by Jeff and Amy Stovall in loving memory of their daughter, Claire, a gifted violinist in ASYO. “Damian embodies everything this scholarship was created to honor,” said Larry Lang, Executive Director of the Amarillo Symphony. “He is a serious young artist with a generous spirit, the kind of student who lifts up everyone around him. The Stovall family’s gift will help carry his musicianship forward, and through Damian, Claire’s love of music continues to inspire the next generation of Panhandle musicians.”
This week’s Furry Friend is Quinn. “Quinn’s coloring is black with some white, and she is a medium size dog. Her coat is rather wiry. She is a cute, sweet dog, but very shy right now. Our volunteers and staff will be working with her. Quinn was brought to our shelter after spending some time on the street, so may take an extra bit of love and kindness.” APSCA adoptions can be made at the shelter, 11901 S. Coulter, noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Call 806-622-0555, or visit www.amarillospcashelter.com or www.adoptapet.com.
This week, U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson announced the 2026 Congressional Art Competition winner for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District. This year’s theme is America 250, and winning pieces will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year. Shae Crawford of Denton and a student at Ryan High School, earned top honors for her oil pastel of an American Flag titled “Still Waving.” Her piece represents the courage and sacrifice of the brave Americans who have fought for generations to secure our freedoms and build this great nation. “Congratulations to Shae on winning the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “I thank everyone who took part in this year’s competition, including the teachers who helped make the contest possible, and I’m excited to see Shea’s work displayed in our Nation’s Capitol.”
This month, HTeaO is once again partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to help advance the fight against childhood cancer. Beginning May 1, guests at HTeaO locations nationwide will have the opportunity to round up their total to the nearest dollar at checkout, with proceeds supporting ALSF’s work to fund pediatric cancer research and provide critical resources for families impacted by childhood cancer. Throughout the campaign, HTeaO will swap out its signature blue straws for yellow straws as a small but visible reminder of ALSF’s lemonade stand roots. For more, visit https://HTeaO.com.
Tickets are on sale for a one-night-only Memorial Day weekend concert featuring Jack Ingram on Saturday, May 23, at the Pioneer Amphitheatre in Palo Duro Canyon, kicking off the 60th season of the Texas Outdoor Musical. Opening the evening is local favorite Travis Roberts, bringing a high-energy set that showcases the talent and spirit of the Texas Panhandle music scene. The TEXAS Outdoor Musical production will run June 11 through Aug. 1, alongside additional programming including “Shakespeare in the Canyon” on Tuesday evenings in July. Reserve your seats for the concert at www.texas-show.com or by calling 806-651-2181.
ALLIANCE Credit Union opened a temporary branch location on Monday, May 4, at 4711 S. Soncy Rd. in Amarillo. The temporary branch will operate on the same property while the new permanent building is under construction, allowing continued service without interruption. The temporary branch will offer a full range of products and services, and team members will be on-site to assist with transactions and answer questions. Additional details, including hours of operation, are available at alliancecutx.com and on their social media channels.
Brown & Fortunato announced the opening of an office in Salt Lake City, Utah, expanding the firm’s growing national footprint and strengthening its ability to serve clients across the United States. Founded in 1995, the national practice has offices strategically located in Amarillo, Dallas, and Salt Lake City, and is even better positioned to provide seamless, nationwide legal service while maintaining the close attorney client relationships that define the firm’s culture.
Helping Her is a free art show and women’s health resource fair at the Don Harrington Discovery Center, happening Friday, May 29 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Funds from the art show will support free period products in DHDC’s bathrooms and by request at the front desk. Only DHDC’s Space Gallery will be open to interact with community organizations and view or purchase art. Their partner, Free Bleed 806, is accepting art show submissions through May 25. Art in the theme of dinosaurs or space is encouraged, but they’re accepting art on any topic. Email kendra@womenmarch.com to learn more.
Shaun Hardy Sr. of Farwell, earned a Master of Science in Transformational Leadership from University of Maryland Global Campus in winter 2026.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that applications are being accepted for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from wildfires in Potter, Armstrong, and Oldham counties that occurred Feb. 15 through April 11. ECP signup will end June 3. “The Farm Service Agency can help producers and landowners recover from natural disasters that impacted their operation,” said Adam Acker, FSA County Executive Director for Potter, Armstrong, and Oldham counties. “If you have an immediate need to clean up and restore your operation, please call our office before beginning any restoration activities in order to determine program eligibility and to request restoration practice approval before taking any action.” For more, contact the Potter-Armstrong County FSA Office at 806-468-8600 x2, the Oldham County FSA Office at 806-267-2178 x2, or visit farmers.gov/protection-recovery.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Research will host a wheat field day and plot tour on May 14 in Bushland. Registration for the free event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the AgriLife Research Station, 2301 Experiment Station Road. The wheat field day will conclude before noon with the annual plot tour. Brent Auvermann, Ph.D., director of the Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center, will open the event with a brief overview of the new center located in Canyon and how it ties in with the research being done at Bushland. For more information, contact Kevin Heflin, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agronomist and assistant professor, Department of Soil and Crop Science, at kevin.heflin@ag.tamu.edu.
Technical Solutions, a leading Managed Technology Services Provider, announced the company has expanded their data discovery and classification solutions designed to help customers’ identify sensitive information, reduce un-necessary exposure, and strengthen compliance. Along with possible legal complications, the rise of AI tools adds another layer of urgency to this issue. “Our goal is to give organizations clarity and confidence,” said founder Gene Wells. “Once you know what data you have and who can access it, you can protect it properly – and that peace of mind is invaluable.” For more information, call (806) 352-1309 or visit www.askts.com.
Mews, the operating system for hospitality, announced that Llano Real Estate Group has selected Mews to power a growing portfolio of hospitality assets across Texas, including hotels, RV parks and short-term rentals. Llano Real Estate Group is rapidly growing its footprint, with nine properties including Cactus Cove Inn & Suites in Amarillo and multiple RV parks and short-term rentals. “Where we’re going as a business requires a completely different level of operational control,” said Matt Marrs, owner of Cactus Cove Inn & Suites and operator at Llano Real Estate Group. “With Mews, everything is faster, more intuitive and built to scale with us.”
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