In 1881, the first Texas Capitol building burned to the ground, and leaders set about building a new one. They wanted to use local materials, including limestone from a quarry in Oatmanville – the area now known as Oak Hill – so they built a 6-mile railroad line from Oatmanville to the Capitol site. Then they needed workers.
Episodes
September 14, 2023
What happened to Juarez-Lincoln University in downtown Austin?
Before there was an IHOP, there was a university that attempted to revolutionize higher education for immigrants at the corner of I-35 and Cesar Chavez Street.
September 7, 2023
What are those towers for in West Austin and why are they all there?
Off to Austin’s west, you may have seen a collection of towers with their red lights blinking through the night. ALSO: You can get tickets to our next ATXplained Live show here.
August 23, 2023
What’s the story behind the colorful Maria de la Luz Cemetery in South Austin?
We question a question about the history of this Mexican-American cemetery — one that stands in contrast to many of the more staid cemeteries around Austin.