Republic Square (Austin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Republic Square |
|
|---|---|
| Hamilton Square (1888-1976) | |
 |
|
| Type | Public park |
| Location | 422 Guadalupe St Austin, Texas 78703 |
| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Created | 1888 |
Republic Square is a cool park right in the middle of Austin, Texas. It's in Downtown Austin and has a big grassy space for fun events and festivals. You can also find shady spots under its old oak trees. Every Saturday morning, the Austin Farmers Market sets up shop here, selling fresh local goodies.
Contents
A Look Back: History of Republic Square
This park wasn't always called Republic Square! It started as "Hamilton Square" in 1839. A man named Edwin Waller designed Austin's first city plan. He made sure to include four public squares, including this one.
For many years, it was a regular city park. But in the mid-1900s, it actually became a parking lot for cars! The area around the park became a special home for many Mexican American families in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
In 1976, the city of Austin brought the park back to life. This was part of the United States Bicentennial celebration. The park got another makeover in 2017. Even with all these changes, some very old "Auction Oaks" trees are still there. They are a special part of the park's history.
Getting Around: Transportation Hub
Republic Square is also a busy spot for buses in downtown Austin. It's a main hub for the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus system.
Bus and MetroRapid Stops
Austin's fast bus system, called Capital MetroRapid, has stops right next to the square. Lines 801 and 803 stop at Fourth Street/Guadalupe Street for buses going south. Northbound buses stop at Fourth Street/Lavaca Street.
At Republic Square station, you can switch to other local bus lines. You can also catch Route 20, which goes to Austin–Bergstrom International Airport.
Future Light Rail Station
There are plans for a new underground light rail station at Republic Square. This station would serve all three of Capital Metro's planned light rail lines. This could happen within the next ten years.
