Most People Don’t Know The History Behind These 5 Famous Austin Streets

I-35 wasn't completed until the 1960s, so for many years, Congress Avenue was the main thoroughfare. Edwin Waller, the first mayor of Austin, designed this road to be the most prominent in the city. Travelers would ride down the dirt path to get to restaurants, saloons, and various businesses.

Before it was a bustling entertainment hub, Rainey Street was a modest little neighborhood. The area was first developed in 1884 by Cattle Baron Jesse Driskill and Frank Rainey. For decades after, it attracted middle-class families. In 2004, the quaint bungalows were slowly turned into bars and restaurants.

In the old days, Austin's streets had poetic titles. Before switching to numbers, this downtown area was called Pecan Street. As you walk down Sixth Street today, you'll see several historic markers detailing this place's interesting past. Exquisite Victorian buildings still stand today, though they're filled with music venues and bars rather than pharmacies and general stores. Sixth Street is also home to the stunning Driskill Hotel, a haunted historic hot spot.

Want to learn more about The Driskill Hotel? Read our feature article here.

If you stroll down East 11th Street today, you're almost certain to see a line of people waiting in line for Franklin Barbecue. In the '40s, however, this place was a hub for legendary music. The Victory Grill championed black artists during the days of segregation, and it saw dozens of famous faces during its time. Artists like Etta James, Billie Holiday, James Brown, and Chuck Berry graced the stage here. Though not an official venue any longer, The Victory Grill still stands tall at 1104 E. 11th St. A vibrant mural commemorating these musicians will send a tear to your eye.

If you've ever taken a leisurely walk through downtown Austin, you've undoubtedly seen these breathtaking homes. The Bremond Block Historic District makes a square around Guadalupe and San Antonio Streets at 6th and 7th. The buildings were constructed between 1850 and 1910, and it's one of the few remaining Victorian neighborhoods in Texas. You'll feel like you entered another era as you stroll by these fascinating places.