Texas African American History Memorial

What to know

Located on the southwest grounds of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, the Texas African American History Memorial is a powerful outdoor monument commemorating the impact of African Americans in Texas. Sculpted by Denver-based artist Ed Dwight and erected in 2016, this impressive structure stands 27 feet high and 32 feet wide. Notably, it was the last monument allowed to be erected on the South Capitol grounds under current law.\n\nThe path to creating this memorial began two decades before its unveiling, when then-Governor George W. Bush signed the initial legislation to start the project. The memorial ultimately carried a $3 million price tag. To cover these costs, the Texas African American History Memorial Foundation raised private funds, while state lawmakers authorized $1.5 million to cover the remaining expenses.\n\nThe monument features a massive, two-sided bronze panorama that chronicles the history of Black people in Texas, a history that pre-dates the United States, stretching from the 1500s all the way to the present. The central portion of the memorial dramatically depicts Juneteenth on June 19, 1865, when African Americans in Texas were finally freed from the bonds of slavery. Because of this central focus, the memorial is popularly known as the Juneteenth Monument.\n\nThrough its detailed bronze reliefs, the monument tells the story of African Americans from enslavement and emancipation to their major contributions in industries like cattle, cotton, and oil. The memorial also celebrates modern achievements in the arts and sciences. It features tributes to prominent Texans and pioneering figures, including Texas Revolutionary fighter Hendrick Arnold, the Buffalo Soldiers, and modern leader Barbara Jordan.

Visitor tips

• Look for the monument on the southwest grounds of the Texas State Capitol.
• Be sure to walk around both sides of the memorial to view the complete two-sided bronze panorama.
• Since this is an outdoor monument, plan your visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the details of the bronze sculptures.

Nearby context

Situated on the southwest grounds of the Texas State Capitol, this memorial is perfectly situated for exploring Austin's historic core. Just a short walk away, you can dive deeper into local heritage at the Capitol Visitors Center or view the historic Texas Governor’s Mansion nearby. Together, these landmarks offer a comprehensive look at the diverse political and cultural history of the Lone Star State.