To Visit the Historic 1888 State
Capitol:
Please call 512-463-0063 for reservation information.
For additional information about the Capitol Complex, call The Capitol
Complex Visitors Center: 512-305-8400
Some Historical Information
In the mid 1850's, the young State of Texas built three
important public buildings in Austin: the first State Capitol, the
General Land Office Building, and the Governor's Mansion. The former
was destroyed by fire in 1881 and replaced by the current capitol
in 1888. The latter two, however, still stand. The Governor's Mansion,
at the corner of Eleventh and Colorado Streets, has been the official
home of every Texas governor since June 1856. Through the many years
since, the house has survived as the state and its First Families
went through many social and political changes. Now a registered
National Historic Landmark, it is the oldest executive residence
west of the Mississippi, the fourth oldest in the Nation, and the
oldest to survive and function essentially in its original configuration.
The Governor's Mansion is a reminder of the proud people who forged
a great state out of a vast frontier.
