1. The Driskill Hotel
Built in 1886, the Driskill Hotel is one of Austin’s most iconic landmarks and a living piece of Texas history. Founded by Jesse Driskill, a wealthy cattle baron, the hotel was designed to be the grandest southern hotel west of the Mississippi, catering to politicians, celebrities, and travelers passing through the capital city.
The Romanesque-style building, with its distinctive cream-and-red limestone exterior, originally boasted 60 rooms and state-of-the-art amenities for its time, including electric lights and water closets. The Driskill quickly became a centerpiece of Austin’s social and political life, hosting governors, presidents, and famous entertainers—legends like Willie Nelson and Lady Bird Johnson have all graced its halls…