This image is the earliest known photograph of Republic Square Park, seen here across the street from the courthouse building. Covering an entire city block, this park was the site of Austin’s first auction of city lots in 1839. By the 1880s, the park was so popular among Mexicans living nearby that newspapers and Anglos dubbed it “Mexican Park,” though most immigrants called it “Guadalupe Park.” Under its canopy of shady live oaks, neighbors engaged in the traditional activities of Mexican village plazas. Street vendors sold tamales, candy, and sweet breads; families strolled through after Sunday church; and sweethearts courted under the watchful eyes of elders. When Walker’s Chili Factory opened across the street in 1910, workers often ate lunch in the park while watching their children play, prompting many to call it “Chili Park.” Although no permanent structures or sidewalks were built, the park’s location and size made it versatile enough to host concerts and dances, church fundraisers, and most importantly, the annual celebration of Mexico’s independence.
In the 1870’s, Austin’s early Mexican immigrants and Mexican Americans created a vibrant business and cultural community just west of downtown Congress Avenue to the banks of the Shoal Creek. Republic Square Park, then known as Mexican Park, was the cultural heart of the area.
Mexic-Arte Museum organized the First Mexican and Mexican American Families in Austin exhibition. Historian Dr. Cynthia Orozco created a chronology of Mexicans and Mexican Americans in Austin for this project.
The City of Austin passes a resolution to create a committee to develop long-term recommendations for events at Republic Square Park and the activation of the 5th Street Corridor.
Map of the Mexican American History and Heritage 5th Street Corridor is conceptualized and named by Sylvia Orozco and Mexic-Arte Museum.
Mexic-Arte Museum seeks partners to support the planning, design and development of the Corridor, including sidewalk and street improvements, signage, and public art.
The City of Austin passes a resolution to partner with Mexic-Arte Museum and other public and private entities to develop the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor.
Mexic-Arte Museum, in conjunction with the Austin History Center, presents Austin’s Mexico – A Forgotten Neighborhood exhibition.
Declared the 5th St Mexican American Cultural Heritage Corridor Awareness Day, as efforts continue to highlight the significant contributions the Mexican American Community made in the development of the downtown area.
The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Initiative recommended the City designate a segment of Fifth Street as the Mexican-American Heritage Corridor.
Signage is created and installed along the 5th Street Corridor by the City of Austin.
Mexic-Arte secures Downtown Austin Alliance partnership and City of Austin support to develop the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor into a Cultural District.
City Council authorized the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor outreach project. Mexic-Arte Museum will assist the Economic Development Department in identifying and connecting with stakeholders and community interest groups to craft a vision for the enhancement of the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor.
The 5th Street Corridor & District Project Engagement Begins: On March 28th, Mexic-Arte Museum, the Downtown Austin Alliance, and the City of Austin walked in groups up and down 5th Street, from Republic Square to IH-35. Each team met with businesses to inform them about the 5th St. Mexican American Heritage Corridor and District, as well as to invite them to upcoming events. The second engagement event took place virtually on April 17, 2024.
The 5th St Mexican American Heritage Corridor began working on Cultural District Designation. Cultural District status will preserve, develop, and highlight all the cultural assets and businesses along and around 5th St.
Republic Square Banner Project Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Family Day in the Park: The Downtown Austin Alliance and the Mexic-Arte Museum partnered to create and install seven banners showcasing the rich history and vibrant future of Republic Square and the 5th Street Mexican Heritage Corridor. The artwork featured on the banners were created by Claudia Aparicio Gamund and the project was funded by a heritage grant awarded by the Austin Economic Development Department.
Longtime Austin families participated in the third community engagement event of the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor Project at Mexic-Arte Museum. During the event, Austin’s Mexican American Legacy Families gathered to receive an overview of the historical significance of 5th Street and to provide valued input on the vision for the future.
Amongst the beautiful purple and golden marigold décor of the Muertos Mercado, Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation unveiled the art installation, Las Calaveras at Republic Square. The talented artists of the Calaveras at Republic Square captured the beauty and essence of this project. It should be noted that this is a major collaboration between two countries, between diverse cultures at the original place where all our cultures coexisted and started this incredible city that we have today.
The City of Austin joined Mexic-Arte Museum, the Downtown Austin Alliance, the Saltillo Sister Cities Association, and the broader community in commemorating the Official Designation of this Corridor and Signage with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, marking this day 5th St Mexican American Heritage Corridor & District Day.
The Cultural District Steering Committee will guide the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor & District on governance structures, develop cultural tourism plan to include branding, heritage and interpretive wayfinding, cultural programming and built environment enhancements and continue to develop the vision for the cultural district.