Upon exiting the aircraft, this New Yorker expected to see cowboy hats and boots throughout the Austin, TX terminal. Emerging from the airconditioned airport, I also prepared for full-on melting in the hot, Texas sun. It was my first of many trips to Texas beginning in August, 2021. Turns out, I didn’t see a cowboy hat until I ate my first BBQ, nor was I dripping in sweat despite the thermometer confirming a whopping 98°F.
The 98° heat in Austin was not the same air that near suffocates me in Florida in July. It was honestly breathable, though I certainly wouldn’t go for a long walk in that weather. The oil rigs and Texas flatlands I had read about were nowhere in sight until we eventually traveled to central Texas, which will be a different post. Austin boasted a surprising number of trees, parks, water and was far more visually attractive than I expected.
That summer, my daughter had just moved down there and was massively homesick. Though planning her Texas wedding, she was not keen on becoming a Texan. So, she was reluctant to do anything other than just visit together for ten days. I explained that if this was to become her new home state, we should explore and why not start with touring the capitol?
Tucking the suitcases safely in the truck, we briefly walked the outside grounds of the Texas State Capitol in Austin.
I’ve lived in NY my entire life, alongside most of the people in my life who also cling to the east coast. There are countless stereotypical beliefs we have held that were quickly dispelled, the more I learned about Texas. Starting with the hats and boots! Though my son-in-law does have both and he and his Dad often wear cowboy boots to work (in an office). I thought those were just for Chip Gaines, but more on Magnolia another day…
Back to the capitol. Remember last week when I mentioned the Lone Star symbol can be found everywhere? Here it is in the state capitol:
A few interesting notes I picked up by researching the origins of the state capitol include Texas’ struggle to gain independence from Mexico. The single Lone Star represents their eventual success, which ultimately became the state symbol on the Texas flag.
The Texas State Capitol building is larger in square feet than any other U.S. capitol. “Though the U.S. Capitol is bigger in square footage, its dome is seven feet shorter than the Texas Capitol dome.”
The economy may not be as booming in central Texas, but the sheer size of this state still makes the overall state growth exponential with companies relocating to Austin and Dallas for space and tax breaks.
Considerable business interest by over 150 companies include Oracle, Tesla, Amazon and Apple. All have created tech jobs, thus contributing to the influx of non-native Texans taking over the bigger cities. Just a few of the headlines containing statistical economic information:
Texas Economy Again Expands Faster Than Nation
Texas is Winning the U.S. Economy
Six of the 15 fastest growing cities in the country are in Texas
Austin was a quick visit, but I learned quite a bit and appreciated the experience. Food and new Texas experiences up ahead on future Texas Tuesdays! Thank you for reading.
Sources:
Tales from a Mid-Lifer 
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