skip navigation and jump to page content The Library of CongressThe American Folklife Center 
Community Roots: Selections from the Local Legacies Project
Collage of Local Legacies
 Home >> TEXAS
Reenactors portrayed Stephen Austin and early settlers
Re-enactors portray historical settlers Stephen F. Austin and Father Michael Muldoon discussing 1830's politics with a settler Courtesy Brazoria County Historical Museum

Austin Town Festival

In 1821, Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," founded his Austin Colony, the first authorized Anglo-American settlement in Mexican Texas, centered along the Brazos River. The first settlers arrived at the mouth of the Brazos on December 23 of that year. The settlers, eventually numbering tens of thousands, struggled against almost insurmountable adversity in an untamed wilderness to forge a new life for themselves and their successors. It these brave pioneers that the Austin Town Festival honors. This annual event depicts life in the original colony during the pre-Republic of Texas period, 1821-1836. Actual citizens from the original 300 families are portrayed, including Austin, his family, a rancher, an inn-keeper, and others whose histories are well-known. The re-enactment, which is staged by the Brazoria County Historical Museum, takes place in an authentically primitive setting. It is documented with a narrative, photographs with descriptions, three programs of the event (1997-1999), promotional materials, newspaper coverage, and a narrated video.

Originally submitted by: Tom DeLay, Representative (22nd District).



link to www.loc.govMore Local Legacies...

The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.

disclaimer for external linksLearn More About It...
MODSMETS
 Home >> TEXAS
  The Library of Congress 
The American Folklife Center
Contact Us
AFC Icon