Austin Historical Scandals Walking Tour

Join us on a historical walk through the oldest part of the city, recounting important people and wild events which some would prefer we forget. These true historical stories will both charm and rattle you, and you'll walk away with a more profound understanding of Austin's history and the Texas tradition. Topics include financial scandal, political power grabs, quack doctors, duels, outlaws turned lawmen, and Austin’s two historic red light districts.
Our tour lasts up to 2 hours and includes plenty of opportunities to take pictures, ask questions, and interact with our knowledgeable guides. Private tours may add a bar stop.

Meeting Point

100 1/2 W 11th St

100 1/2 W 11th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

We meet right outside the Capitol Gates on the south side of the building.

What's included:

• Knowledgeable Guide

Not included:

• Gratuities
• Drinking Water

What to expect:

Duration: between 1 hour, 30 minutes and 2 hours

Texas State Capitol

1100 S Congress Ave, Austin, 78704-1728, Texas

Learn about the explosive political bribery scandal and resulting election dubbed "The year they threw the rascals out."

15 minutes

Texas Governor's Mansion

1010 Colorado St, Austin, 78701-2334, Texas

Outside the Governor's Mansion, hear about the husband/wife duo who used the Governors office as their personal piggy bank, helping themselves to millions.

15 minutes

106 E 6th St

106 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Find out about Austin's own gunfighting, gambling wild west vigilante outlaw who was a thing of myth and legend even in his own lifetime.

10 minutes

The Driskill

604 Brazos St, , Austin, 78701-3212, Texas

The Driskill Hotel's history could be written almost purely in terms of scandal. From quack doctors, murderous sex workers, assassination attempts, lobby gunfights, and early desegregation, we'll go inside the beautiful and historic Driskill Hotel to see where history was made.

20 minutes

Midnight Cowboy Modeling

6th Street, Austin, 78701, Texas

Can you take a wild guess as to what might be the history of this unmarked door on 6th St called Midnight Cowboy Modeling?

5 minutes

O. Henry House Museum

601 Dolorosa, San Antonio, 78207-4536, Texas

At the turn of the 20th century, Author "O Henry" became world famous for his wholesome, moralistic short stories. It was only after his death that people began to uncover the truth about the 10 years he spent in Austin, Texas before he made it big.

10 minutes

327 Congress Ave. suite 100

327 Congress Ave. suite 100, Austin, TX 78701, USA

In 1885, Austin had a serial killer. The murders led to an explosion of scandals involving politicians, police, madams, and dangerous racial prejudice.

10 minutes

Halcyon

218 W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Austin's own red light district thrived from 1871-1913. We visit what was once known as Madam's Row and talk about the three wealthiest and most notorious women of Austin's golden age.

15 minutes