Texas Tough: Susanna Dickinson Hannig's Austin
Take a walk through history with this strong Texas woman. Experience the sights and stories of Austin c. 1850-1880.
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1
Introduction
Under the shade of live oak trees that sprouted long before Susanna Dickinson set foot in Texas, learn a little bit about her legacy. As you move through the stops, click the arrow on the right of the photographs to watch a brief video about each one.
2
Palm Park--Site of Hannig House
In or very near this park stood the Hannigs' first home in Austin when they moved here in the 1850s. Their house was located on the bend of Waller Creek between 2nd and 3rd Streets before it was swept away in a flood.
3
Trask House and Hofheinz-Reissig Store
This limestone house, built in the 1850s, was home to pioneer educator and innkeeper Frances Trask. It shares many architectural similarities to the Dickinson Museum. Right across the street is a store and residential complex built by German immigrants, which gives a flavor of the neighborhood as the Hannig family knew it.
4
Dickinson Museum
Built in 1869 out of limestone and rubble, this was the home of Susanna Dickinson and her husband Joseph Hannig for about 5 years in the early 1870s. Stop by for a tour to take a look inside!
5
Old Depot Hotel
A former railroad hotel; some buildings in this complex survive from Austin's first railroad in 1871. The Houston and Texas Central Railroad steamed into town in December 1871, disrupting the residents on what was then Pine Street. The hotel and boarding house trade supported many Texas women, including Susanna Dickinson.
6
Hannig Building
Susanna's husband Joseph Hannig had this handsome commercial building constructed in 1876. From it, he sold furniture, ran an undertaking parlor, and built his business empire. In the late 19th century, many similarly grand buildings rose along what was then Pecan Street.
7
St. David's Church
The oldest church in Austin, from this hill you can see the sweeping views that convinced President Lamar to move the capital of the Republic to the modest settlement of Waterloo on the Colorado River.
8
Millett Opera House
Built in 1870s, this grand opera house was once the largest enclosed space in Texas. It hosted musical performances, political conventions, dances, and theatrical productions, including a performance of the play Davy Crockett, which Susanna attended in 1878.
9
First Baptist Church
Although the current building dates from long after Susanna's time, the Baptist Church played an important role in her life. Also of note, this block was one of the four public squares set aside in the original plan of Austin--the only one that is not a park today.
10
German Free School
A school established for the children of German immigrants, opened in 1858 and expanded in the 1870s. The large German population of Austin, including Joseph Hannig, had an important influence on Texas and Austin culture.
11
Symphony Square
This gathering of buildings along the banks of Waller Creek represents one of the finest collections of 19th century vernacular architecture in Austin. It was also home to some notable residents of Austin's community of freedmen.
The End!