Why the Capital should rightfully be Houston, not Austin - Fun Read (El Paso: 2013, condo)

[llmrkc07]

Hey you guys! Came across this article. I'm pretty sure some of you have already read it. Just thought I would share.

Why the Capital should rightfully be Houston, not Austin

"So here we are, almost two centuries later. Austin, the capital, has forsaken the risk-taking ways of its founder and more closely resembles its dour namesake. The city is becoming ever more buttoned-down, striving, and full of modern-day “impresarios” (luxe condo flippers and McMansion builders) while insisting it is still the same “weird” Shangri-la it was when LSD and mescaline first came to town. Meanwhile, Houston—whose city father, incidentally, was known for his shaggy mane, gaudy head scarves, and Indian sashes—effortlessly goes about being one of the strangest and most wonderful metropolises on earth."

This Is Texas :: Texas Monthly

[AK123]

Interesting, I'll take a look. Haven't read it yet... it says the date is Feb 2013.
I believe, like myself, the author of the article has also lived in both places.

[HookTheBrotherUp]

A funny article. Thanks for sharing.

[Trae713]

Stupid mirabeau.

[HtownLove]

I think if Houston had remained the capital it would have been a large pre 1950 city instead of a large post 1950. I mean its layout and relation to the state would closer resemble chicago.

I kinda like that military, government, finance etc are spread throughout the state instead of centralized, but can you imagine if the military population of san antonio, the government and education of Austin and the finance and logistics of DFW were centralized in Houston? I think the metro would have been pushing 5 million in the 1940s which would probably result in a much different looking city.

The city already had rail lines in the 20s and the city limits were pretty much confined to what is now 610. I think if houston had remained the capital Texas would probably have one huge city and a couple mid sized ones. Houston city would probably be about the size of LA and the metro would probably be slightly larger than chicagoland (about 14m people).

I think san antonio would max out at 500k without the millitary heft and Austin would max out at 300k without the education and government.

[timtemtym]

I read awhile back that the move of the capitol out of Houston was a somewhat mutual decision as Houston's gambling industries and brothels would have been too scrutinized had it remained the capital city. I think moving to "Central" Texas also somewhat secured Texas could manage all of its territory and lessen chances of being carved up into 5 states.

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Originally Posted by timtemtym

I read awhile back that the move of the capitol out of Houston was a somewhat mutual decision as Houston's gambling industries and brothels would have been too scrutinized had it remained the capital city. I think moving to "Central" Texas also somewhat secured Texas could manage all of its territory and lessen chances of being carved up into 5 states.

'Must have worked, Houston still has plenty of prostitutes and gambling.

[AK123]

Another Texas Monthly article.

Horsemen, Goodbye | Texas Monthly
"If I were to anatomize the six major cities more or less in order of urban merit, I would now put Houston first by a large margin: it’s a great city. Next would come Austin and Fort Worth."

[KerrTown]

I think the Democratic Party may be competitive in Texas if this is their proposal. Houstonians do work together for the good of Houston's future, no matter political affiliation, race, religion, etc. That should win almost all votes in Greater Houston.

Austin, for such a "liberal" (-libertarian) city, ironically houses some of the most conservative blowhards of the state. I agree with the author that this is the way to stop development to preserve the landscape of the hillsides and aquifers.

[Dopo]

They can put the capital in El Paso if they want to
I just want them the politicians in Austin to work and fix s.... in our state