Project Details
The Downtown Austin Alliance and the Mexic-Arte Museum have partnered to create and install seven banners showcasing the rich history and vibrant future of Republic Square and the 5th Street Mexican Heritage Corridor. This collaboration aims to enhance the cultural appeal of Downtown Austin. Republic Square has been a significant site in Austin for hundreds of years, from its origins as Hemphill Square, one of the city’s four original public squares, in 1839 to its role in the Mexican and Mexican American community.
Claudia Aparicio Gamund created the artwork featured on the banners, and the project was funded by a heritage grant awarded by the Austin Economic Development Department.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Mexic-Arte and the Downtown Austin Alliance unveiled seven beautiful new outdoor banners celebrating Republic Square’s rich history, vibrant future, and the 5th Street Mexican Heritage Corridor on August 3rd from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Republic Square! The square has hosted key events in Texas history, city celebrations and daily commerce, continuing today as a vibrant community gathering space that bridges Austin’s past and present.
Banners in Republic Square
Photos by the Digitial Media Associate, Maia Castillo
Banner Coloring Book
Republic Square has been an important place in Austin for hundreds of years. On August 1, 1839, 306 lots of the newly surveyed, square-mile town were sold at auction under the square’s oak trees. Four squares were not auctioned, as the blocks were designated to be public squares; three of those squares remain today. These include Republic Square (originally “Hemphill Square”), Brush Square, Wooldridge Square (previously Bell Square), and Hamilton Square, which is now the First Baptist Church. In 1950, this area was converted into a parking lot. In 1974, local conservationists persuaded the city to restore the square to its former glory, giving it its current name, Republic Square.
Early in Austin’s history, Republic Square was a central point for the city’s Mexican and Mexican American community. This space has hosted pivotal moments in Texas history, city celebrations, and day-to-day commerce. It continues to serve as a gathering place for community events, standing as an active park that connects modern day Austin with its past.
As you look through this book, you will learn about some of the pivotal moments in Republic Square’s history.
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