Fodor's Expert Review Texas Capitol Visitors Center

Located on the southeast corner of the Capitol grounds in the only surviving government building from Austin's first 30 years, the Texas Capitol Visitors Center owes its Gothic style to its German-born architect, Conrad Stremme. This 2½-story structure of stuccoed stone and brick was opened for business in 1858 as the first home of the Texas General Land Office. Writer O. Henry worked as a draftsman here and used the building as the setting for two of his short stories. In 1989, the legislature approved a $4.5-million renovation project to restore the building to its original 1890s appearance. It now houses permanent and traveling exhibits, the visitor center, and a gift shop.