- Texas African American History Memorial - Situated on the Texas State Capitol Grounds, this memorial delves into the African history of Texas from the era of Spanish colonization to the present day. It highlights the rise of “King Cotton” and Austin’s significance as a center for cotton production and manufacturing. The Texas Capitol building, completed in 1888, was among the tallest buildings globally at the time. However, a lesser-known fact is that many incarcerated Black men and women were forced into “convict-leasing” to mine materials and construct the building.
- Texas Governor’s Mansion - At the mansion, we explore the history of slavery in Austin and Travis County, including the building’s construction. This segment humanizes the enslaved individuals in Travis County and highlights key figures in Austin’s history.
- Wooldridge Square - Dating back to the 1839 Waller Plan, Wooldridge Square is one of the city’s original four squares. Over the years, it became the site of many of Austin’s first Black churches, schools, and social institutions. Booker T. Washington delivered a significant speech here in 1911. This location allows us to discuss the origins of Austin’s Black community post-enslavement and the contributions of African-Americans to the development of the state and city.
- Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Court House - Adjacent to Wooldridge Square, this courthouse offers insight into Austin’s role in upholding Jim Crow racial segregation. In 1946, the Sweatt v. Painter case saw the State of Texas maintain segregationist policies, denying African-Americans admission to The University of Texas at Austin. Thurgood Marshall argued this case in Austin. Here, we discuss the contributions of African-Americans to the Civil Rights Movement at local, state, and national levels.
- Paramount Theatre - Walking down Congress Ave, we examine the impact of desegregation in Austin, with a visit to the Paramount Theatre, a key site in the desegregation movement. This segment covers various demonstrations, including the Swim-ins at Barton Springs and protests on Austin’s public transportation system in the 20th century.
- East Sixth Street - The tour concludes on Austin’s renowned Sixth Street. Before becoming the heart of the “Live Music Capital of the World,” it was a hub for African American commerce. We discuss the business environment for Black entrepreneurs and patrons, as well as the creation of the Negro District in 1928, which displaced Black residents from prime downtown areas to East Austin.
- All fees and/or taxes
- Bottled water
- Tips
This historical walking tour takes guests through the presence of Black people in the heart of downtown Austin. Since Austin’s establishment in 1839 and before, people of African descent have played an integral part in this city’s development. We journey through centuries of histories, contributions, and experiences that are seldom told. We will explore the history of enslavement in Austin, routes to freedom in Mexico for enslaved persons passing through Austin, and the Black businesses and institutions that once flourished downtown. On this one-mile walk, guests will engage in dialogue about Black people’s role in Austin’s development and their continued presence. Please reserve up to 2 hours for this tour to accommodate walking between points of interest and time to discuss topics.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
