46th National Convention
July 27–29, 2009
Austin, Texas

Austin Trivia Answers

1. Out of what material was the Texas State Capital Building in Austin constructed?

b. Texas Pink Granite

The Texas Capitol is a National Historic Landmark, and the largest in gross square footage of all statehouses. Constructed of Texas pink granite, the dome is actually 14 feet taller than our nation's Capitol in Washington, D.C.!

 

2. Which of the following entertainment districts is NOT a "hot spot" for listing to live music in Austin.

c. Barton Springs

Sixth Street, the Warehouse and Red River Entertainment Districts are the three "hot spots" for listening to live music and dining. Barton Springs is a spring-fed swimming hole where constant 68-degree waters provide a place for year-round swimming.

 

3. Austin is home to North America's largest urban population of:

b. Bats

Austin is home to North America's largest urban bat population, with up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats roosting under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Between April and October, the colony departs nightly around dusk from the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge just south of downtown. The ideal time of year for bat viewing is August. One of the most popular vantage points is the bat observation area in the Austin American-Statesman parking lot at 305 South Congress Ave . But be careful! You never want to stand beneath the colony when it flies out — at least not without an umbrella.

 

4. One of the country's top technology cities, Austin is headquarters for what hi-tech corporation?

b. Dell

Austin is one of America's top technology cities and is often called Silicon Hills. While companies like IBM, Samsung, Freescale, AMD and 3M have offices in Austin, the city is home to the corporate headquarters of Dell Computer Corporation. Founder Michael Dell launched the Fortune 500 company from his University of Texas dorm room at the age of 19.

 

5. In what year was Austin founded?

c. 1838

Austin was founded in 1838 by Jacob Harrell. Originally named Waterloo, Republic of Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar moved the government from Houston to the settlement that was renamed Austin for Stephen F. Austin, who brought the first Anglo colonists to the area in 1821.

 

6. Which person is credited with founding Austin?

a. Jacob Harrell

Austin was founded in 1838 by Jacob Harrell.