Austin's Anniversary: From Frontier to Funky

On this day in 1839, the city of Austin was officially incorporated. The new Republic of Texas capital, built on a site formerly known as Waterloo, was named after my great-great-great-(and perhaps even more greats) step-grandfather. Obviously, family trees do not exactly work this way, but I find the idea of step-ancestors amusing, particularly when one of those ancestors happens to be "the Father of Texas."

Ancestral amusements aside, I would like to wish the City of Austin a happy Incorporation Day. I hope everyone finds a place to park, that the music is groovy, and that diners of all persuasions, be they carnivores, tofuvores, or pescatarians, find themselves in a state of epicurean bliss on this festive occasion.

You know, a trip to Austin sure sounds mighty fine about now. After a couple of days in our fair capital, I always come back home feeling rejuvenated and free. Here is Wayne "The Train" Hancock singing a little song about good ol' Austin, Texas: