Stephen Austin
Stephen Austin is known as the 'Father of Texas' and the founder of Anglo Texas. He led the successful colonization of the region by bringing 300 families and their slaves from the United States to the Tejas region of Mexico in 1825.
Explorer
November 3, 1793
December 27, 1836
43
Stephen Austin, often referred to as the “Father of Texas,” played a pivotal role in the 19th-century colonization of Texas by Americans. He spearheaded the first successful Anglo-American settlement in the region by leading 300 families and their slaves from the United States to the Tejas area of Mexico in 1825. Austin held various political positions and was actively involved in public affairs, including serving as a member of the Missouri legislature and leading a volunteer force during the War of 1812.
Initially, Austin sought greater autonomy for Texas within the Mexican system rather than full independence. However, after Mexico implemented laws centralizing power and limiting Texans’ rights, he became an advocate for independence and was instrumental in drafting the Texas Declaration of Independence.
Stephen Austin is also connected to the popular slogan “Keep Austin Weird,” which originated in the 1980s and reflects the city’s reputation as a haven for artists and hippies. This phrase can be found on t-shirts, souvenirs, and billboards throughout Austin.
Some of Austin’s other notable accomplishments include:
