The county is named after Stephen F. Austin, who chose San Felipe as his home. The San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site, The Colonial Capital of Texas, was right where Texas got it’s start. The site preserves a portion of the townsite of San Felipe de Austin that served as the colonial capital of Texas. Visitors can explore the life of the “Father of Texas” and his impact on the settlement and independence of Texas. On a picturesque bluff overlooking the Brazos River, the story of Austin and the pioneers that followed him to Texas is told at the new San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site Museum with state-of-the-art displays, and offering visitors a chance to see unique objects on display including a desk that once belonged to Stephen F. Austin, an 1830s cast iron printing press, and many artifacts recovered during archeological investigations at the site. Outdoors you’ll find walking trails, statues, monuments, historical markers, a replica cabin, the Josey Store and the new replica townsite exhibit, Villa de Austin, opening November 13, 2021!