Austin Sights
- Overview
- Places to Explore
- Sights
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Entertainment
- Shopping
- Activities
- Travel Tips
- Features
- Fodor's Choice
- Deals
General Land Office
General Land Office Review
The only surviving government building from Austin's first 30 years owes its Gothic style to its German-born and -trained architect, Conrad Stremme. This 2½-story structure of stuccoed stone and brick was opened for business in the spring of 1858 as the first home of the 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 1890s appearance. The structure now houses the Capitol Visitors Center and a gift shop, and has space on the second floor for traveling exhibits.
- Address: 1700 N. Congress Ave., at Brazos St., Downtown & the Capitol Area, Austin, TX, 78701 | Map It
- Phone: 800/998-4456
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Mon.--Sat. 9--5, Sun. noon--5
- Website: www.glo.texas.gov/
- Location: Downtown and Capitol Area
Contact Information
Free Fodor's Newsletter
Subscribe today for weekly travel inspiration, tips, and special offers.
Fodor's Trip Planning Ideas
- Great American Vacation: Find Your Next U.S. Trip with Fodor's
- 80 Degrees: Fodor's Helps You Find Your Best Beach Vacation Spots
- Go List: Fodor's Top 25 Places to Go in 2013
- Hotel Awards 2012: Fodor's 100 Top Hotels
- Weekend Getaways: Fodor's Recommends the Best Weekend Escapes in the US
- Best of Europe: Fodor's Picks the Best Places to Visit in Europe
Travel Deals in Austin
- $59* & up -- Fares from 64 U.S. Cities into September, e/w Frontier Airlines
- $8 & up -- Car Rentals across Texas CarRentals.com
· Forums Trip Reports
-
Okay, we get this little "ski break" early February each year and I'm not much of a skier so I'm always struggling to find a place to go. Read more
-
We (husband & 9 yr old son) are on an 8 week trip of a lifetime to the US. Read more
·Texas Forum
-
Do we need to rent a car whilst situated at the Embassy Suites Hotel off of South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas?
We will be there for one week at the end of June.
We have family members there who do Read more
· News & Features
-
Events, Travel Tips
Think all you need to do SXSW is a ticket to Austin and a hotel room?... Read more
-
Trip Ideas
Whether it's a bachelorette party or a gaggle of girls who are looking to get away, we've got just the... Read more
-
Restaurants
Whether it's for SXSW or just to soak up some cool kid vibes, everyone is heading to Austin.... Read more
