Texas State Cemetery

In part two about my visit to Austin I return to my Dearly Departed Tours roots. Today's subject..... Who's buried in Austin.
 The Texas State Cemetery was created in 1851 but not really used until the Civil War. There are about 2000 marked graves of veterans and widows of the Confederacy alone.

Texas State currently has 2,941 interments and space for 7,500. This is not a Military cemetery and has very specific guidelines about eligibility.
In 1929, with the approaching Texas Centennial, Louis Kemp a noted businessman and historian led the effort to have prominent Texas Heroes moved to the cemetery for proper burial. 
 
Mr.Kemp also noted that the road through the cemetery should be paved and thus was created SH 165 (0.90 miles) the second shortest State highway in Texas.






In the Republic Hill section can be found the final resting spots of some of the Most well known names in Texas History. 
Among the most notables here are, Stephen F. Austin, The Father of Texas.

Governors John Connally and Ann Richards 


 

U.S. Representative and 1st African-American to be buried in the cemetery Barbara Jordan, Dallas Cowboys Coach Tom Landry, as well as  very moving memorials for Viet Nam Veterans and the Victims of 9/11.
Oh and don't forget the squirrels.........yes they're blond!!!

  See the rest of the photos Here

Wall Art in Austin

I recently spent some time in Austin, Texas and was blown away by this city. The people, the sights, the art, the City itself was just incredible!! 
Thank You Austin for keeping it weird!!
Instead of posting boring travelogues about the trip I thought I would highlight different subjects.

                           Today's subject.........Murals.


It was great to see not just artwork in and around Austin but the coolest street art I have ever seen.
 

 6th street, South Congress (SoCo) and 4th Street are areas that have a large number of murals.
 Some are inspirational.

 Some are not.

 They can be found in alleys or hidden in parking lots. 

 















There is great beauty and creativity in Austin.
I am sure that you have murals where you live, I suggest you grab a camera, go for a walk and look around.
 Click Here for more Photos