The Austin State School Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in Austin, Texas. It is the final resting place of approximately 1,200 individuals who were residents of the Austin State School, a state-run institution for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that operated from 1857 to 1994.
The Austin State School Cemetery is located on a 22-acre plot of land that was originally purchased by the state of Texas in 1856 for use as a state hospital. The first residents of the Austin State School, which was then called the Texas State Lunatic Asylum, were admitted in 1861. Over the years, the institution grew and evolved, and by the 20th century, it was one of the largest and most well-known institutions of its kind in the United States. Address
Unfortunately, the Austin State School was also known for its mistreatment of residents, including physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and overcrowding. Many residents lived in poor conditions and received inadequate medical care. As a result, many residents died prematurely, and their bodies were buried in the Austin State School Cemetery.
The cemetery is divided into three sections: the original section, which dates back to the mid-1800s; the “colored” section, which was designated for African American residents and their families; and the “new” section, which was established in the 1960s. The cemetery was in use until the closure of the Austin State School in 1994, after which it fell into disrepair.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in preserving the cemetery and honoring the individuals buried there. In 2010, the Austin State School Cemetery Memorial Committee was formed to advocate for the preservation and restoration of the cemetery. The committee worked with the Texas Historical Commission and the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services to document the cemetery’s history and identify the gravesites of those buried there.
Today, the Austin State School Cemetery is open to the public, and visitors can pay their respects to those buried there. In 2019, a memorial was erected in the cemetery to honor the individuals who lived and died at the Austin State School. The memorial features a granite slab with the names of the residents engraved on it, as well as a bronze statue of a young girl.
The Austin State School Cemetery serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the past and the importance of advocating for their rights and well-being today. It is a place of reflection and remembrance where visitors can learn about the history of the Austin State School and the individuals who lived and died there.
In conclusion, the Austin State School Cemetery is a historic cemetery that serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the past. It is an important site for the preservation of Texas history and serves as a place of remembrance for the individuals who lived and died at the Austin State School. The cemetery is open to the public, and visitors are encouraged to pay their respects and learn about the history of this important site. Go here
What Can You Expect When You Visit There?
Visitors to the Austin State School Cemetery can expect to find a quiet and peaceful space for reflection and remembrance. The cemetery is located in a secluded area of Austin, surrounded by trees and vegetation, which creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Upon arriving at the cemetery, visitors will see a large memorial dedicated to the individuals who lived and died at the Austin State School. The memorial features a granite slab with the names of the residents engraved on it, as well as a bronze statue of a young girl. This statue represents the many children who lived at the Austin State School and serves as a reminder of their struggles.
The cemetery is divided into three sections: the original section, which dates back to the mid-1800s; the “colored” section, which was designated for African American residents and their families; and the “new” section, which was established in the 1960s. Visitors can explore these sections and observe the differences in burial styles and grave markers over time.
One of the most striking features of the Austin State School Cemetery is the simplicity of the grave markers. Many of the graves are marked with small, white concrete blocks that bear only a number, which was used to identify the individual buried there. This reflects the institutional nature of the Austin State School and the dehumanization of its residents.
Visitors can also expect to find informational signs located throughout the cemetery, which provide context and historical information about the site. These signs highlight the struggles faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the past and the importance of advocating for their rights and well-being today.
Important Information About Austin State School Cemetery
Address: Main Harbor Dr, Austin, TX 78703, United States