Before civilization and the modern land systems, the government of Spain, Mexico, and the Republic of Texas claimed ownership of all land in Texas. Things started to change from the 1500s to the 1800s when most land was converted from public ownership to private hands. This brought about the need to verify and systematically keep a record of land titles. The system currently in use can be traced back to the creation of the General Land Office (GLO) - now the Interior Bureau of Land Management, to ensure smooth and easy administration of the grant process. In 1821, Moses Austin, the man credited with laying the foundation for the American lead industry, was promised a tract of land on the Brazos River as long as he could deliver 300 Catholic families from Louisiana. Moses died later that year, but his mission was taken over by his son Stephen F. Austin, after whom the city of Austin is named. Junior Austin succeeded in negotiating a new contract with Mexican President Agustín de Iturbide. When the Mexican government was overthrown in 1835 and the Republic of Texas established, grants for over one million acres of land were issued. Texas was annexed by the United States in 1846, marking the emergence of notable modern cities such as Austin and Dallas.

This is a fun-filled city for visitors of any caliber. There are many sight-seeing opportunities to fill your diary, whether you come in as a permanent landowner in Austin, TX, or a visitor staying for just a while.
The city offers a good mix of scientific and artistic tastes to the explorative visitors.

Memorable Lessons in any Museum
Start off with the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library (LBJ Presidential Library) and learn about the 36th president and his administration. You find amusement in the rich and somewhat outrageous collection at the Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemera.
There are dozens of deeply informative museums and collection centers to learn from in Austin.

Visit the Cathedral of Junk
When they say that they want to "Keep Austin Weird" they truly mean it. You understand this better once you visit the Cathedral of Junk. A man named Vince Hannemann started piling up all sorts of junk in 1988 and has now amassed the most obnoxious collection of nearly everything. From lawnmower wheels, utensils, cables, clocks, wheels, and bottles to bicycle parts. It's a breathtaking sight.

Bats at the Congress Bridge
You can't leave Texas without watching bats kickoff their nocturnal schedule from the Congress Bridge. Whereas the bridge alone is an awe-striking architectural masterpiece, the more than 1.5 million birds that live within it make a trip there more appetizing. They fly out every evening to the amusement of watchers.