An early description of Austin.

This book was entered into the Library of Congress in 1847.  Read this story about Austin.  This author was right on in his prediction of the future of Austin.  Amazing. 

This is the book that this excerpt was taken from.

A NEW
HISTORY OF TEXAS
A NARRATION OF THE ADVENTURES OF THE AUTHOR IN TEXAS.
AND A DESCRIPTION OF THE
SOlL, CLIMATE, PRODUCTIONS, MINERALS, TOWNS, BAYS HARBORS, RIVERS, INSTITUTIONS, AND MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF
'
THE INHABITANTS OF THAT COUNTRY; TOGETHER WITH
THE PRINCIPAL INCIDENTS OP FIFTEEN YEARS
REVOLUTION IN MEXICO;

 

 

 Now read about Austin.

 

Austin,—Forty miles above Bastrop is located the city of Austin, which is the present seat of Government, and will probably continue as such for a long time to come. The plan of Austin is handsome; the streets are wide and cross at right angles, and the site is on an elevated prairie stretching far away from the east bank of the Colorado River. The property here belonged to the people, and the seat of government has been removed from Houston, and permanently located here for the treble purpose of a more central position, and of raising funds by giving value to the public domain, and of reviving the almost forgotten name of Stephen F. Austin, the first Emprasario and Father of Texas.
In calling this a central position, I must not be understood as alluding to the present population, for Austin is
immediately on the frontiers of the country; yet the location is as near central to the "whole territory as perhaps any suitable place in the Republic; and such is the rapid advance of the Anglo Saxon, that a few brief years will leave the seat of government in a thickly settled country, and central enough for convenience to the interior, as well as the seaboard; thus uniting objects and combining facilities which argue well for the foresight and sagacity of its founders.
There are as yet but few buildings, and those for public use need no description ; the government, like individuals, just locating in a wilderness, and not in abundance of funds must be content with temporary buildings and accommodations for which however, all visitors pay an enormous price : such for instance, as board for $30 per week. There can be but little doubt about the future prosperity of Austin : take it all in all, it is a fine country, with the best navigable river in Texas flowing at its base. Most of the first quality of land adjacent to the Colorado River is now covered by surveys, but great quantities of second and third rate land in the hills and dells in every direction is yet unclaimed, and of course subject to the occupancy of emigrants under a late law donating land to permanent settlers.
To those who are fond of a retired and quiet life, and would prefer the business of rearing stock, to the planting of cotton and sugar, would choose too, to be located among romantic hills and vales, such as are familiar to every western Virginian, and to drink from the cool running fountains,
rather than the frequently turbid river, or stagnant pond, these second and third rate lands would prove more valuable than much that is considered of the first quality.
For as has always proved true elsewhere, so it will be here—rich lands are mighty allurements to those who estimate every thing by dollars and cents, and the rich and level lands of Texas will in a few brief years be thickly settled; the solemn grandeur of the wilderness and the quiet stillness of a secluded farm will be lost, and will have given place to the busy hum of business, and the inconveniences and annoyances, as well as the advantages to be derived from a residence among a dense, and too frequently, a licentious, population.