Downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Capitol in Austin
Photographed by David White, January 6, 2018
1. First Capitol in Austin Marker
The first capitol in Austin was erected on this site in 1839. Every president of the Republic of Texas performed some official act within its walls.
Marked by the State of Texas in 1936
Erected 1936 by State of Texas. (Marker Number 16096.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, Texas Independence. In addition, it is included in the Texas 1936 Centennial Markers and Monuments series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.
Location. 30° 16.217′ N, 97° 44.57′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Downtown Austin. It is at the intersection of West 8th Street and Congress Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West 8th Street. The marker is affixed to the wall and can be hard to spot from the road, as it is partially obscured. It is located next to the parking garage exit ramp. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 124 W 8th Street, Austin TX 78701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Texas and the Civil War State Military Board (a few steps from this marker); Openheimer-Montgomery Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Townsend-Thompson Building
this page online
Photographed by David White, January 6, 2018
2. First Capitol in Austin Marker
February 5, 2021
3. First Capitol in Austin Marker
Marker is next to parking garage exit ramp and is partially obscured by bushes, tree, etc.
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 7, 2025
4. First Capitol in Austin Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2021, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. This page has been viewed 659 times since then and 42 times this year. Last updated on February 5, 2021, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 5, 2021, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. 4. submitted on December 11, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
