Timeline
Below is a timeline of Travis County history that marks events leading to the county’s formation and important events during its existence.
William Barret Travis, namesake of Travis County, is born.
August 9, 1809The Texas Declaration of Independence is adopted at Washington-on-the-Brazos, establishing the Republic of Texas.
March 2, 1836William Barret Travis dies at the Alamo.
March 6, 1836The first sale of town lots in the new capital of the Republic, which is named for Stephen F. Austin, is held.
August 1, 1839The City of Austin is created by the Republic of Texas Congress.
December 27, 1839Austin is approved as the capital of the Republic of Texas.
January 19, 1840Travis County is established by the Republic of Texas Congress.
January 25, 1840The first election for county officials is held.
February 21, 1840The Republic of Texas is annexed by the United States.
February 28, 1845Texas becomes the 28th state.
December 29, 1845The first official Travis County Courthouse is constructed at 4th and Guadalupe.
1855The second Travis County Courthouse is constructed at 11th and Congress Avenue.
1876Judge George S. Mathews and the Commissioners Court buy land at 10th and Guadalupe for the construction of the third Travis County Courthouse.
April 14, 1930The cornerstone is laid for the third Travis County Courthouse.
October 20, 1930The third Travis County courthouse officially opens.
June 27, 1931A flood which covers much of downtown Austin prompts the creation creation of the Lower Colorado River Authority and the building of several dams.
June 15, 1935Heman Marion Sweatt files suit against University of Texas President T.S. Painter in Travis County District Court, challenging the policy of racial segregation in schools.
May 16, 1946The U.S. Supreme Court rules on Sweatt v. Painter, overturning the lower court’s decision.
June 5, 1950The Travis County flag, designed by Jesse McIlroy Smith, is adopted as the official emblem.
July 31, 1963The Travis County seal, as drawn by County Treasurer Johnny Crow, is adopted.
June 16, 1975The Travis County Courthouse is renamed the Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Courthouse
October 21, 2005
