Viator Rating : 5 (1 reviews)
Austin
Austin's Black History Walk: Downtown's Untold Stories
120
Overview
Downtown Black History Walk in Austin explores the rich, often untold stories of Black people's presence in the heart of Austin. This historical walking tour reveals the integral role people of African descent have played in the city's development since its establishment in 1839 and even before.
Guests will embark on a journey through centuries of histories, contributions, and experiences, often overlooked in mainstream narratives. The tour delves into the history of enslavement in Austin, explores routes to freedom in Mexico for enslaved individuals passing through the area, and uncovers the legacy of Black businesses and institutions that once thrived downtown. Expect to visit the Texas State Capitol Grounds & African American History Memorial, Texas Governor's Mansion, Wooldridge Square, Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Courthouse, Congress Avenue & Paramount Theatre, and Sixth Street.
This one-mile walk encourages dialogue about the significant role of Black people in Austin's development and their continued presence. Lasting up to two hours, the tour allows ample time for walking between points of interest and engaging in discussions. This experience includes all fees and taxes. 
Highlights
Uncover Hidden Histories: Discover the untold stories of Black people's contributions to Austin.
Explore Key Landmarks: Visit significant sites like the Texas State Capitol Grounds & African American History Memorial.
Engage in Dialogue: Discuss Black people's role in Austin's development and continued presence.
All Fees Included: Enjoy a hassle-free experience with all fees and taxes covered.
Sentiment Analysis
Guests loved learning about Austin's Black history.
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The guide was very knowledgeable and engaging.
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The tour was a great way to see downtown Austin.
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Visitors found the content interesting and important.
Some guests wished for more seating options.
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A few felt the tour could be longer.
The Journey
Texas State Capitol Grounds & African American History Memorial
Visit the Texas State Capitol Grounds to contextualize Texas’ African American history. Explore the Texas African American History Memorial, a place that acknowledges Texas’ African history from Spanish colonial times through the present, setting the stage for “King Cotton” and Austin’s prominence as a cotton production and manufacturing hub. Confront the stark reality that the Capitol's construction was fueled by the forced labor of incarcerated Black men and women through the convict-leasing system, an often-overlooked chapter of its history.
Texas Governor's Mansion
Delve into the history of slavery in Austin and Travis County at the Texas Governor's Mansion. This site brings humanity to those who were enslaved in Travis County and highlights some important figures in Austin's history, particularly focusing on the construction of the mansion itself. Discover the personal stories and struggles of those who were enslaved and their contributions.
Wooldridge Square
Step back in time at Wooldridge Square, one of Austin's original four squares dating back to the Waller Plan of 1839. Discover how this square became a vital center for Austin's early Black community, hosting the city's first Black churches, schools, and social institutions. Imagine the energy of Booker T. Washington's monumental speech here in 1911. Reflect on the origins of Austin’s Black community post-enslavement and the role African-Americans played in developing the state and city.
Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Courthouse
Reflect on the pivotal Sweatt v. Painter case at the Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Courthouse, adjacent to Wooldridge Square. This courthouse provides a window into Austin’s role in maintaining Jim Crow racial segregation. Learn how the State of Texas upheld racial segregationist policies in 1946, barring African-Americans from The University of Texas at Austin. Discover how Thurgood Marshall argued this landmark case in Austin. Contemplate the broader role African-Americans have played in the Civil Rights Movement at the local, state, and national levels.
Congress Avenue & Paramount Theatre
Walk down Congress Avenue and consider the impact of desegregation in Austin, with a stop at the Paramount Theatre, a pivotal site in the movement. Uncover stories of demonstrations such as the Swim-ins at Barton Springs, and protests on Austin's public transportation system during the 20th Century. Envision the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for equality in Austin's public spaces.
Sixth Street
Conclude your tour on Sixth Street, now known as the 'Live Music Capital of the World,' but once the vibrant hub of African American commerce in Austin. Explore what business was like for Black entrepreneurs and patrons before the forced displacement of Black residents to East Austin with the creation of the Negro District in 1928. Understand the legacy of displacement and the resilience of the Black community in the face of adversity.
Know Before You Go
This walking tour includes all fees and taxes, allowing guests to focus on the experience without worrying about extra costs. It excludes bottled water and tips for the guide. The meeting point is in downtown Austin, and guests are responsible for their transportation to and from the tour's starting location. Please consider bringing your own water bottle.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes, as there's a good amount of walking involved. Also, check the weather forecast and dress accordingly – bring sunscreen and a hat on sunny days.
Review Summary
Customers find this tour exceptionally informative and well-guided, with particular praise for the knowledgeable and passionate guides who make history accessible and emotionally engaging. Reviewers consistently highlight the generous food samples included in the tour cost, the manageable group size of around 20 people, the easy walking route with frequent stops, and the sense of community connection created by learning about overlooked Black contributions to Austin's development. The most frequently mentioned strengths are the guides' expertise, friendliness, and ability to link historical events to contemporary issues like gentrification, while the experience is noted as one of the most interesting and moving activities available to both tourists and longtime residents. No significant negative feedback emerged from the reviews provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
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