Austin offers something for every history enthusiast during a visit, from museums to notable homes – something is sure to catch their interest!
Austin is home to many notable historical spots, with one being the LBJ Library which contains an exact replica of President Johnson’s oval office. Other well-known Austin landmarks include Alamo and Neill-Cochran House Museum being among them.
Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery is Austin’s oldest municipally-owned cemetery, established in the mid-nineteenth century and believed to be haunted by multiple spirits from Comanche attacks or resting here such as senators, governors and postmasters whose ghosts can often be felt throughout this historic site.
Oakwood Cemetery was historically segregated and section four, known as the Historic Colored Grounds, contains notable graves of Black dignitaries such as Civil Rights leaders, educators, religious figures, influential local and state politicians as well as freed slaves who settled after the American Civil War – these individuals can also be found among graves belonging to family and community members buried here. One popular landmark here is The Chapel which was renovated and now holds an exhibit sharing this historical discovery story.
Downs Field
Downs Field (also known as Mabson Field) has played an instrumental role in baseball history for nearly one hundred years. Constructed on land acquired from the City of Austin for use as a Negro Athletics facility in 1918, its initial use included Samuel Huston College baseball team use and later by semi professional Austin Black Senators semi professional team featuring legendary ball players such as Satchel Paige, Roni Stone, and Hilton Smith.
Downs Field grandstands recently underwent renovation to bring back historic features that make this important landmark great. This project forms part of a broader effort to promote and celebrate East Austin’s rich heritage.
Rosewood Neighborhood Park
This 13.9-acre park was established in 1929 to serve African Americans living in Austin. Constructed under the 1928 Austin city plan that institutionalized segregation by restricting utilities and services in areas where African Americans resided, the park served as home for various recreational activities including swimming pools and tennis courts; also hosting Juneteenth celebrations for many years; now home of Delores Duffie Recreation Center.
Rosewood Neighborhood Park’s shade trees, stone walls and pool could tell a compelling tale of community over 90 years long. From thrilling baseball games to after school programs and Juneteenth parades – Rosewood Neighborhood Park stands as a special place with a longstanding legacy in East Austin and deserves to be visited – with features including playground equipment, splash pad splash pad swimming pool tennis courts Doris Miller Auditorium!
Clarksville
Clarksville is home to Austin Peay State University, the Leaf-Chronicle newspaper and the first Women’s Bank of Tennessee (established in 1919). Additionally, Fort Campbell (a United States Army post on both sides of Tennessee-Kentucky state line and home to 101st Airborne Division) can also be found here.
Built by the Sevier family over 220 years ago and situated atop a bluff overlooking the confluence of Red and Cumberland Rivers, this historic building has long been an idyllic property, complete with inspiring views and fertile land for crops. But its land also witnessed blood being shed, aggression being directed toward enemies, and tension between generations escalating into violent confrontation.
As World War I raged across Europe, many local residents volunteered for military service – further solidifying Tennessee’s longstanding reputation as the Volunteer State. Also during this era, Joseph Farley stood trial against members of the KKK who attempted to lynch him. You can learn about his remarkable story on TAAHG’s website.
