| A rich silver
lode was discovered in 1862. Twenty thousand mining claims
were filed and the population swelled to 8,000. Almost
overnight Austin became a thriving cosmopolitan town with
fine restaurants, merchants, assayers, doctors, lawyers,
a newspaper and stages arriving daily with goods and passengers.
It also enjoyed a thriving social life typical of the
Victorian era. |
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Austinites
enjoy four seasons, with summer daytime temperatures ranging
from the 70's to the 90's, and cool nights that can drop to
the 50's. Winter days are usually sunny so snow often melts
off the streets in a few days. Snowfall averages 60 - 80"
annually.
Austin
is home to approximately 300 people, two gas stations, three
motels, two restaurants, several bars and three active churches.
The school has an excellent teacher/student ratio (1:9) and
students consistantly score well above average in testing.
Shopping is fun with local turquoise and jewelry shops, antiques,
gifts and souveniers, a tea house, and a delightful museum
maintained by the Austin Historical Society.
Come
visit us. You will enjoy the change of pace amid great western history. Stroll
around with a self-guided tour brouchure (available at the Courthouse and most
merchants) and view our 19th century buldings and sites listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. Some of the historic buildings are open for viewing,
particularly on holidays and town celebrations. Contact the Greater Austin Chamber
of Commerce on our Links page and they will send you local information. |