Not too long ago we got a different perspective of the Austin area as we checked out the view from atop Mount Bonnell.
We're always on the lookout for historical markers and this area didn't disappoint. The Mount Bonnel marker reads:
"Rising 775 feet above sea level, this limestone height was named for
George W. Bonnell, who came to Texas with others to fight for Texas
independence, 1836. Was commissioner of Indian Affairs in Republic of
Texas under president Sam Houston. Moved in 1839 to Austin; there
published the "Texas Sentinel", 1840. Member Texan-Santa Fe expedition,
1841. Was captured but released in time to join Mier expedition, 1842.
Was killed in camp on Rio Grande, Dec, 26, 1842.
Frontiersman W.A.A. "Bigfoot" Wallace killed an indian he met face to
face while crossing a narrow ledge 50 feet above river, 1839. He also
took refuge in a Mount Bonnell cave to recover from "flux", but was
missing so long his sweetheart eloped.
In the mid-1800s Mormons built a mill on the Colorado river at foot of
Mount Bonnell. Mill was destroyed by flood and the Mormons moved on
west.
Mount Bonnell was site of picnics and outings in 1850s and 1860s. As it
is today. Legend has it that an excursion to the place in the1850s
inspired the popular song "Wait for the Wagon and We'll All Take a
Ride". As a stunt in 1898, Miss Hazel Keyes slid down a cable stretched
from the top of Mount Bonnell to south bank of then Lake McDonald below."
From the top you can get a good look at Lake Austin. There's also this old school marker:
There's also a great view of the Austin skyline.
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