No expiration date
Easy refund
Free exchange
Easy booking
Downtown Black History Walk in Austin
Austin, Texas, USA
$55
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after
they redeem the gift voucher.
Overview
The Downtown Black History Walk in Austin reveals the significant contributions of Black individuals to the city since its founding in 1839. This historical walking tour takes you through pivotal locations that tell the often-overlooked stories of African Americans in Austin.
- 🗺️ Visit the Texas African American History Memorial on the Texas State Capitol Grounds, where you’ll learn about Texas’ African history from colonial times to the present, including Austin's role in cotton production.
- 🏛️ At the Texas Governor's Mansion, discuss the history of slavery in Austin and the humanity of those enslaved, highlighting significant figures from local history.
- 📍 Explore Wooldridge Square, one of the original four squares in Austin, where you'll discover the roots of the Black community post-enslavement and the establishment of early Black churches and schools.
- ⚖️ The Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Court provides insights into Jim Crow laws, discussing the landmark Sweatt v. Painter case that challenged racial segregation in education.
- 🎭 Stroll down Congress Ave to the Paramount Theatre, a key site in the desegregation movement, and learn about protests and demonstrations that shaped Austin's civil rights landscape.
- 🎶 Conclude your tour on East Sixth Street, Austin’s famous street, where you’ll uncover its history as a center of African American commerce before the rise of the “Live Music Capitol of the World.”
- 💧 Enjoy complimentary bottled water throughout the tour to keep you refreshed as you walk.
- 🚌 Public transportation options are easily accessible nearby, making it convenient to join the tour.
- 🐾 Service animals are welcome, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees.
Perfect for those interested in history, Tinggly offers a sustainable way to gift this enlightening experience. With instant e-delivery, no expiration on vouchers, and the freedom to choose from experiences worldwide, share the rich stories of Austin's past with a loved one today!
—
Downtown Black History Walk in Austin
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
Duration: 2 hours
- All Fees and Taxes
- Tips
- Bottled water
Meeting point
Address: 1100 Congress Avenue (Intersection of 11th St. & Congress Ave.)
Return details
The corner of 6th Street & Brazos
-
Texas African American History MemorialThe Texas African American History Memorial is located on the Texas State Capitol Grounds. Here we will contextualize Texas’ African history from Spanish colonial times through the present. We will set the stage for “King Cotton” and Austin’s prominence as a cotton production and manufacturing hub. The Texas Capitol building was completed in 1888. At its completion it was one of the tallest buildings in the world. However, what is often omitted from this building’s history is the large number of incarcerated Black men and women that were forced through “convict-leasing” to mine for the materials and construct the edifice.
-
Texas Governor's MansionDiscuss the history of slavery in Austin and Travis County at the mansion, including the construction of the building. Here we bring humanity to those who were enslaved in Travis County. We highlight some important folks in Austin's history.
-
This park/square dates back to the Waller Plan of 1839, which plotted the city. Wooldridge Square was one of the original four squares in the city. Over time, this square saw the construction of many of Austin’s first Black churches, schools and social institutions. Booker T. Washington gave a monumental speech here in 1911. Here we will discuss the origins of Austin’s Black community post-enslavement and the role African-Americans played in the development of the state and city.
-
Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Court - This courthouse which is adjacent to Wooldridge Square provides a great window into Austin’s role in maintaining Jim Crow racial segregation in the U.S. In 1946, during Sweatt v. Painter, the State of Texas upheld racial segregationist policies, which barred African-Americans admission to The University of Texas at Austin. Thurgood Marshall argued this case in Austin. Here we will discuss the role African-Americans have played in the Civil Rights Movement at the local, state and national levels.
-
Paramount TheatreWalk down Congress Ave and discuss the impact of desegregation in Austin and visit the Paramount Theatre, which was a pivotal in the desegregation movement. Here we will discuss the different demonstrations such as the Swim-ins at Barton Springs, and protests on Austin's public transportation system in the 20th Century.
-
East Sixth StreetThe tour will end on Austin’s most famous street, Sixth Street. Before 6th Street was the anchor of the “Live Music Capitol of the World '' it was the hub of African American commerce. Here we will discuss what business was like for Black business people and patrons. Here we will also discuss the creation of the Negro Disctrict in 1928, which displaced Black residents from coveted downtown spaces. Blacks were displaced to east Austin.
If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How it works?
01
—
You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
02
—
We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
03
—
Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!
Downtown Black History Walk in Austin
Austin, Texas, USA
$55
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after
they redeem the gift voucher.
How it works?
01
—
You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
02
—
We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
03
—
Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!