Located about a half-mile from the University of Texas (Austin) campus , and just a few blocks north of the Texas State Capital, the Texas State History Museum (aka the Bullock Museum), was established in 2001 "...to tell the story of Texas." Now owned by the Texas State Preservation Board, the museum was named after Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock who led the campaign for its creation. Construction of the building began in 1999, and it was opened to the public two years later. Since 2001, nearly eight million visitors have explored the museum. It features some of the most significant artifacts pertaining toTexas. Many of its exhibits are interactive. Comprising three floors, the first focuses on "the land", while the second floor looks at "the identity" of the state, and the third on "opportunity" (aka the future). If you are planning on visiting this wonderful museum, note that on the first Sunday of each month, admission is free for the whole family.
The original “Goddess of Liberty” stood on top of the Texas State Capital building between 1888 and 1985. It’s design was thought to have been inspired by images of Zeus’ daughter Athena (Greek goddess of wisdom).