How long does it take to walk through East Austin's heritage sites?

The full route takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours if you spend time inside the Carver Museum and explore the cemetery grounds. The walking distance is about 1.5 miles.

Is there a guided tour Austin for Black history?

While some companies offer occasional group tours, this self-guided audio walk allows you to explore these sensitive historical sites at your own pace without needing to coordinate with a guided tour Austin schedule.

Can I visit the Texas State Cemetery for free?

Yes, the Texas State Cemetery is free to the public and open daily. It is a key stop for seeing the graves of influential Texans like Barbara Jordan and Stephen F. Austin.

Is East Austin safe to walk alone?

Yes, the historic district is safe for walking during the day. It is a residential and commercial area with plenty of foot traffic near the museums and 11th Street corridor.

What is the 1928 Master Plan mentioned in the walk?

The 1928 Master Plan was a city ordinance that effectively institutionalized segregation in Austin by concentrating municipal services for Black citizens in the East Side, forcing them to move from other parts of the city.

Are there hills on this walking route?

The walk is mostly flat, but there is a notable uphill climb when approaching Huston-Tillotson University on Bluebonnet Hill.

When is the Carver Museum open?

The George Washington Carver Museum is typically open Monday through Saturday, but hours vary. It is usually closed on Sundays and city holidays.

Soul of the East Side: African American Heritage | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

East Austin is a neighborhood defined by its deep roots and resilient spirit. This self-guided walking tour Austin explores the profound legacy of the city's Black community, tracing a history that moved from the forced segregation of the early 20th century to the creation of a vibrant cultural hub. As you walk these streets, you will encounter the landmarks that served as the backbone of the African American experience in Central Texas, from historic educational institutions to sacred grounds and cultural preservation centers. This walking tour Austin provides a deep dive into the stories of the people who built this city despite systemic challenges. The route begins at the George Washington Carver Museum, a cornerstone of heritage that highlights the achievements of Black Austinites. You will explore the hallowed grounds of the Texas State Cemetery, the final resting place for civil rights icons like Barbara Jordan, and ascend the hill to Huston-Tillotson University, Austin's oldest institution of higher learning. Along the way, the narration explains the impact of the 1928 Master Plan, which designated East Austin as the city's 'Negro District,' and how the community transformed this area into a center for business, jazz, and social life. You will also pass through the African American Cultural Heritage District, seeing how historic sites coexist with the neighborhood's modern evolution. From the aromatic corners of Franklin BBQ to the quiet, reflective paths of Oakwood Cemetery, this self-guided walk offers an intimate look at the soul of the East Side. It is a journey of remembrance and celebration, designed for those who want to understand the true character of Austin beyond the surface-level attractions.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

The George Washington Carver Museum's tribute to Black history
Barbara Jordan's monument at the Texas State Cemetery
The historic hilltop campus of Huston-Tillotson University
The 1928 Master Plan history in the Cultural Heritage District
The cultural intersection of history and food at Franklin BBQ
The segregated 'Old Grounds' at historic Oakwood Cemetery

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

George Washington Carver Museum

Start your journey at the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center. This was the first neighborhood museum in Texas dedicated to the African American experience. Originally housed in the city's first library for Black citizens, the current facility is a massive tribute to the community's past, present, and future. As you explore, consider the 'Juneteenth' galleries, which detail the delayed arrival of the news of emancipation in Texas. This site isn't just a museum; it is a community anchor that preserves the stories of those who turned the segregated East Side into a thriving cultural epicenter. The museum serves as a vital reminder of the intellectual and artistic contributions of Black Austinites.

2

Texas State Cemetery

A short walk brings you to the Texas State Cemetery, often called the 'Arlington of Texas.' While it holds many governors and military figures, it is also the final resting place of Barbara Jordan, the first Southern African American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives. Her monument here is a significant site of pilgrimage. Walking through these 22 acres, you can trace the complex political history of the state. The cemetery was originally established in 1851 and has evolved into a place of high honor. Notice the varying styles of monuments that reflect the different eras of Texas leadership and the slow, necessary expansion of who is recognized in the state's official history.

3

Huston-Tillotson University

Ascend the hill to reach Huston-Tillotson University, a private Historically Black University (HBCU) with roots dating back to 1875. This campus sits on Bluebonnet Hill, which was once the site of the Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute. As Austin's oldest institution of higher learning, HTU has been a beacon of academic excellence for generations. It played a crucial role during the Jim Crow era, providing education and leadership training when other institutions were closed to Black students. The campus architecture and the view of the downtown skyline from this vantage point offer a physical representation of the university's enduring presence and its oversight of the city's changing landscape.

4

African American Cultural Heritage District

You are now in the heart of the African American Cultural Heritage District. This area was formally designated to protect and celebrate the history of the 'Negro District' created by the 1928 Master Plan. That plan forcibly moved Black residents and services from across the city to this specific geographic area by denying them city services elsewhere. In response, the community built a 'city within a city' here, with its own doctors, lawyers, and legendary jazz clubs like the nearby Victory Grill. As you walk, look for the historical markers that identify significant sites of Black entrepreneurship and social life that flourished despite the systemic segregation imposed upon them.

5

Franklin BBQ

While most people know Franklin BBQ for its world-famous lines and James Beard Award-winning brisket, its location is deeply significant. It sits on the edge of the historic district, where the culinary traditions of the South have long been a staple of community life. Barbecue in Texas has deep roots in African American history, often originating from communal gatherings and the expertise of Black pitmasters. Even if you aren't waiting for a meal today, the site represents the modern commercial success of the East Side while sitting on the foundations of the neighborhood's long-standing food culture. It is a place where the old and new Austin intersect daily.

6

Oakwood Cemetery

Conclude your walk at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin's oldest city-owned cemetery, established in 1839. This site offers a somber look at the city's racial history. The 'Old Grounds' or the 'Section 4' area was historically where African Americans, Mexican Americans, and the indigent were buried, often in unmarked graves or separated from the white sections. Recent archaeological projects here have worked to identify and honor those buried in these forgotten sections. As you walk the paths, the contrast in monument styles and the layout of the grounds provide a silent but powerful testimony to the social hierarchies of 19th and early 20th-century Austin. It is a place of deep historical reflection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Soul of the East Side' self-guided walk is excellent for history, as it focuses specifically on the African American heritage of the district, covering 1.5 miles of significant landmarks like the Carver Museum.