San Felipe de Austin: First Anglo-American Capital of Texas
historical marker
San Felipe de Austin, located in Austin County, Texas, holds historical significance as the first Anglo-American capital of Texas. The town itself was founded in 1823 by Stephen F. Austin. It officially became the capital of the Austin Colony on July 26, 1828, by decree of the Mexican government. Stephen F. Austin, known as the Father of Texas, initiated the settlement under an 1821 grant from Mexico. This grant led to the settlement of more than 1,000 families in the colony. A historical marker commemorating this site was erected in 1964. San Felipe de Austin served as a central hub for early Anglo-American settlement and played a key role in the events leading to the Texas Revolution.