The Texas capital city of Austin was settled in the 1830's under the name of Waterloo, so called by the early pioneers for its proximity to the Colorado River. However, as its importance and independence grew, Waterloo was designated to be the capital of the Republic of Texas and renamed after Stephen F. Austin, the "father of Texas".
Stephen F. Foster earned his title by his crowning efforts to colonize the new land, bringing hundreds of families into the region, who would later be known as 'The Old 300". During the latter years of Austin's father's life, he received a empresario grant from the Mexican government to settle Americans on Texas land, however, the senior Austin would not live to fulfill his dream. Rather, with the encouragement of Stephen F Austin's mother, Mary Brown Austin, her son would follow through on the family plan and settle the new land.
The Austin plan was taking shape until a political upheaval disrupted operations, when Mexico declared its independence from Spain, and would no longer honor the land grant issues by the Spanish government. It would not be until 1823 that Stephen F. Austin would be granted permission to bring 300 families to the Texas frontier and make his new colony a success.
By December 1836, just after civil unrest and the Texas Revolution, Stephen F. Austin would run for president of the newly formed Texas Republic, but would be defeated by political statesman and army man, Sam Houston. However, Houston would appoint the young Austin as Secretary of State to the Republic of Texas, although he only served two months before his death.
During a brutal December winter in 1836, Stephen F. Austin caught a cold that he couldn't shake, developing into a fatal case of pneumonia. On December 27, 1835, Austin died at the home of George McKinstry near what is today West Columbia, Texas. Mr. Austin was originally buried in Brazoria County's Gulf Prairie Cemetery, however, in 1910 his remains were exhumed and placed into the Texas State Cemetery in Austin.
Stephen F. Austin may have lived a short life of 42 years, but it was a meaningful one that touched the lives and liberties of many people. Serving as an inspiration and visionary of his day, Mr. Austin would be proud to see his beloved dream for the Republic of Texas flourish into the largest state within the contiguous United States with a population topping 25 million. The city of Austin continues to thrive, ranked as the third fastest growing city in the nation and has become the reality of Stephen F. Austin's last words on his deathbed: "The independence of Texas is recognized, don't you see it in the newspapares"?
Monuments dedicated to the distinguished Stephen F. Austin may be found at:
1. Austin College, a liberal arts institution in conjunction with the Presbyterian Church located in Sherman, Texas.
2. Nacogdoches County, the home of Stephen F. Austin
3. Gulf Prairie Cemetery in Jones Creek, which contains the original burial site before Austin was transferred to Texas State Cemetery.
4. Austin State Park and San Felipe State Historical Site for a seated statue of Austin.
5. At the death site near West Columbia, Texas, a memorial stone commemorates the life of Stephen F. Austin.
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin TX realtor. Other articles written by the author related to East Austin Neighborhoods and Round Rock homes can be found on the net.
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