Resuming our travels, our next stop was Austin, Texas (the State Capital and home to the University of Texas). Archeological evidence has indicated that humans had inhabited this area as far back as 9200 B.C. By the time the first Europeans arrived here, the Tankawa peoples were the main inhabitants, with some Comanches and Lipan Apaches traveling through the area. Archeologists also found evidence that Spanish colonists had been traveling through this area for centuries but had only established a few permanent settlements. By 1730, three missions from East Texas combined into one along the south bank of the Colorado River, but this lasted only seven months when they relocated to San Antonio. During the early part of the 19th century, the Spanish had established several forts throughout the area. In the 1830's, American pioneers began to settle along the Colorado River. Once Mexico had gained its independence from Spain, new settlements were created throughout central Texas, but growth was slow because of constant conflicts with Native Americans. In 1836, Texas had gained its independence from Mexico and established itself as an independent country with its own president. Three years later, the area now known as Austin was chosen to replace Houston as the new capital of the Republic of Texas and was originally incorporated as "Waterloo." Shortly afterwards, it was renamed "Austin" in honor of Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas." The new republic's congress, in 1845, voted to be annexed to the United States. Fifteen years later, Texas joined the Confederacy in ceceding from the U.S. In 1883, the University of Texas was established with its main campus located in Austin. Among the many notables who claimed Austin as their home were Lance Armstrong, Berkley Breathed, Drew Brees, Sandra Bullock, Walter Cronkite, O'Henry, Lyndon Johnson, Willie Nelson, Dan Rather, and many more.