“Like the ancient city of Rome, Austin is built upon seven hills, and it is impossible to conceive of a more beautiful and lovely situation.” George W. Bonnell

As the namesake of one of Austin’s highest points pointed out in 1840, this city truly is situated beautifully at the beginning of the Texas Hill Country. After being chosen as the capitol city of the Republic of Texas in 1839, this tiny village quickly grew in size and stature. When the grand capitol building constructed of granite quarried in nearby Marble Falls opened, Austin was a bustling city with the spectacular Driskill Hotel (recently renovated) and the beginnings of the first class University of Texas.

Since Austin is seen as the cultural, political, environmental and educational center of Texas, the area over the years has attracted a diversity of immigrants from Europe, Africa, Asia and Mexico. Over the years, Austin has developed into a music mecca where the careers of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Janis Joplin and Willie Nelson have thrived. Austin City Limits has provided a television venue that has promoted Austin as a showcase for musicians.

For the past two decades, Austin has been a leader in technology with the growth of businesses such as Dell, Samsung, AMD, Motorola and numerous entrepreneurial endeavors. At the same time, the film industry has discovered what a great place the Austin area provides to moviemakers. Combine all this with first class ballet, opera, theatre and symphony and you have a highly valued quality of life.