Austin Sights

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.

    Contact Information

  • 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

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