Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Cole Chaney perfromance

• 2024 MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas

• A deep-dive into the life of Walter Prescott Webb

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"For there is nothing either good or bad, thinking makes it so."

- William Shakespeare

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the scenic trail that offers stunning views of downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake?

A) Walnut Creek Trail

B) Barton Creek Greenbelt

C) Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

D) Shoal Creek Trail

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic district known for its nightlife and colorful bungalows is B) Rainey Street Historic District.

News

💼 Business

Samsung suppliers buy land in RCR Taylor Logistics Park near Austin. (link)

For Austin-area porta potty purveyors, the total eclipse is big business. (link)

Statesman business reporter Lori Hawkins died after medical procedure. (link)

Keystone Bank's CEO talks Austin economy, banking success as company aims for $1B in assets. (link)

🏒 Sports

NASCAR EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix held at Circuit of The Americas on March 23-24, featuring NASCAR Cup Series and more​​. (link)

South Carolina women's basketball team advanced to the Final Four with a 70-58 win over Oregon State​​. (link)

NC State defeated Duke 76-64 to advance to the Final Four, showcasing a significant upset​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

Austin's unemployment rate drops to 2.8% in March, marking a two-year low according to the Texas Workforce Commission. (link)

The City of Austin announces a $50M investment in public infrastructure projects to stimulate economic growth. (link)

Austin's housing market sees a 5% increase in median home prices amidst rising demand, according to Austin Board of Realtors. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Texas State San Marcos Bobcats Baseball vs. Texas Longhorns Baseball
Bobcat Ballpark, San Marcos, TX
Tuesday, Apr 9th | 6:00 PM | (more info)

⚾ Texas Longhorns Softball vs. Texas State San Marcos Bobcats Softball
Red & Charline McCombs Field, Austin, TX
Wednesday, Apr 10th | 4:30 PM | (more info)

🏍️ 2024 MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas
Circuit of The Americas, Austin, TX
Friday, Apr 12th | 8:00 AM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Vampire Weekend - Total Solar Eclipse
Moody Amphitheater, Austin, TX
Monday, Apr 8th | 12:00 PM | (more info)

🤘 BLP Kosher Presents: The Dreidelman Saga Tour
Emo's Austin, Austin, TX
Monday, Apr 08th | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 Cole Chaney- Legends & Verse 2024 w/ Thomas Csorba
Antone's Nightclub, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Apr 9th | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Herbie Hancock
Paramount Theatre-Austin, Austin, TX
Tuesday, Apr 9th | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🌳 Shane Gillis: Moontower Comedy Festival
H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
Apr 12th - 13th | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Austin with buildings that change shape and color” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Austin Historical Events

1902 - Nixon-Clay College and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary established.

In 1902, the Nixon-Clay College and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary were established, marking a significant milestone in the educational and religious landscape of Austin, Texas. The Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary opened its doors on October 1, 1902, at Ninth and Navasota streets, with the mission of providing pastors for the rapidly growing Presbyterian Church in the frontier Southwest. The seminary's first president, Thornton Rogers Sampson, played a pivotal role in its establishment, raising funds for an endowment and property to support the institution. The seminary has since evolved into a vibrant community of dynamic learners and leaders, committed to the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Nixon-Clay College, also established in 1902, was a significant development in the realm of education in Austin. The College for Girls opened in Milford, with Henry Clay Evans serving as its president. This institution emphasized education and developed a women's school with a strong faculty, some of whom later founded Austin College. The establishment of Nixon-Clay College contributed to the rich educational heritage of Austin and laid the foundation for the pursuit of knowledge and learning in the region.

The establishment of the Nixon-Clay College and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1902 reflects the commitment to education and religious leadership in Austin, Texas. These institutions have played a crucial role in shaping the educational and spiritual landscape of the region, providing opportunities for learning, leadership, and the proclamation of the gospel. Today, the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary continues to uphold its mission to educate ministers and empower preachers to instill deeper faith in their listeners, while the legacy of Nixon-Clay College lives on in the educational heritage of Austin.

Famous People From Austin

Walter Prescott Webb - (1888 - 1963)

Walter Prescott Webb was an American historian and author known for his influential work on the American West. Born in rural Panola County, Texas, Webb's legacy as a scholar and his impact on the historical narrative of Texas and the American West remain significant to this day.

Walter Prescott Webb's Early Life and Education

Walter Prescott Webb was born on April 3, 1888, in rural Panola County, Texas, to Casner P. and Elizabeth (Kyle) Webb. Growing up in Stephens County, Webb's early years were shaped by the rural landscapes and the rich history of Texas. His passion for history and storytelling was evident from a young age, and he aspired to become a writer, seeking guidance on how to achieve this dream.

Academic Career and Contributions to Historical Scholarship

Webb's academic journey led him to become a professor of history at the University of Texas, where he made significant contributions to the study of American history, particularly the American West. His groundbreaking work on the Great Plains and the growth of the United States of America, co-authored with Eugene C. Barker and William E. Dodd, solidified his reputation as a leading historian of his time.

Influence on Texas Historical Narrative and the Handbook of Texas

As president of the Texas State Historical Association, Webb played a pivotal role in launching the project that produced the Handbook of Texas, a comprehensive encyclopedia of Texas history, geography, and culture. His dedication to preserving and documenting the history of Texas has had a lasting impact on the state's historical narrative and the understanding of its rich heritage.

Legacy and Enduring Impact

Walter Prescott Webb's legacy extends beyond his scholarly achievements. His work continues to shape the way historians and scholars understand the American West and Texas history. In his honor, the University of Texas established the Walter Prescott Webb Chair of History and Ideas, ensuring that his contributions to historical scholarship are remembered and celebrated.

Key Achievements of Walter Prescott Webb:

• Groundbreaking work on the American West and the Great Plains.

• Co-author of influential historical texts on the growth of the United States of America.

• President of the Texas State Historical Association and instrumental in the creation of the Handbook of Texas.

• Legacy as a leading historian and scholar of Texas and the American West.

Walter Prescott Webb's dedication to historical scholarship and his enduring impact on the understanding of Texas and the American West solidify his position as one of the most significant and influential scholars in the field of American history.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

Poll