The Austin Primer is a biweekly column that features various facets of Austin that locals love most.

Austin is an inimitable town with an eccentric culture that most of us have grown to love. Throughout the city’s history, several famous figures have helped to shape Austin into the wonderfully strange place it is today. From politicians to musicians, all sorts of people have left their mark on this city and made us proud that they are Texans. These individuals make Austin… well, Austin.

Rick Perry

Love him or hate him, Rick Perry is one of the most talked about Texas politicians. Currently the governor of Texas, Perry is an avid Republican, promoting both fiscal and social conservatism. He is outspoken about his Christian faith, support of the death penalty and rejection of regulations on carbon emissions. While Perry tends to represent the majority of Texas, which is a red state, Austin is, comparatively, a liberal city. Perry’s policies are in some measure responsible for Texas being one of only six states in the U.S. not facing a deficit at this time.

Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong, who has made his home in Austin, is arguably the most legendary cyclist in the history of the sport. He is the only person to have ever won the 2,200-mile Tour de France seven times in a row. His victories are even more impressive because of Armstrong’s public battle with cancer; his doctors estimated a less than 40 percent chance of survival. Two years later, Armstrong made a complete comeback and was already training again. In 1999, he won his first Tour and continued to win until taking a break after the 2005 race. Armstrong is a symbol of determination, as well as a symbol of Austin’s love of the outdoors and healthy exercise. His non-profit foundation has contributed more than $14 million to cancer research. 

Lady Bird Johnson

Lady Bird Johnson, born in 1912, was the wife of Lyndon Baines Johnson. Her focus as First Lady was on beautifying America’s cities and highways and conserving national resources. After her husband’s passing in 1973, she remained active and co-founded the National Wildflower Research Center (now the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center). The center is a great place to visit in Austin on a clear, warm day. After her death at the age of 85, Town Lake was renamed Lady Bird Lake in her honor. 

Stephehn F. Austin

The namesake of Austin, Stephen F. Austin, born in 1793, led a colony of settlers deep into Central Texas. Receiving permission from Mexico, he and around 300 others set up one of the first colonies in Texas, located around present-day Austin. He was responsible for several of the settling agreements with Mexico, as well as for governing the colony. Due to his extensive exploration and colonization, he is often referred to as the “Founder of Texas.” 

Stevie Ray Vaughn

Stevie Ray Vaughan, born in 1954, may be the single most famous musician from Austin, and was ranked number seven in “Rolling Stone” magazine’s “Top 100 Guitarists of All Time.” Often placed on the same level as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, Vaughan revolutionized the blues and greatly influenced the Austin music scene. After finally beating drug and alcohol addiction in 1987, Vaughan embarked on an even more successful career. He seemed at an all-time high when he died in a helicopter accident in 1990. Due to his death at a young age, Vaughan has been immortalized in the eyes of many people.

Mike Judge

Mike Judge, born 1962, is a director, writer and the creator of “Beavis and Butt-head” and “King of the Hill.” “Beavis and Butt-head” follows two teenagers in a fictional Texas town, whose goals in life are “scoring with chicks” and causing trouble at school and work. “King of the Hill” is a brilliant series starring Hank Hill, perhaps one of the most complex animated characters of all time. The show focuses on Hank and his family’s attempts to reconcile their traditional values with an ever-changing America. Judge also directed “Office Space” and “Idiocracy.”

Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson, born in 1933, is a country music star and political activist. His musical career spans five decades, and he wrote or performed such classic songs as “Family Bible,” “Night Life,” “Whiskey River,” and “On the Road Again.” Nelson’s core political beliefs include bio-fuel, cannabis legalization, and animal rights. Tall tales of his marijuana adventures and his strong support of legalization have made him an icon of cannabis culture. Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream also named a flavor after him.

Will Wynn

Will Wynn, the long-time mayor of Austin, is known for his renewable energy agenda, one of his greatest accomplishments. He is chairman of the Board of Austin Energy, overseeing the most successful renewable energy program in the country. Wynn and the city of Austin have been at the forefront of the movement towards renewable energy, and Wynn’s position as mayor well communicates Austin’s strong sense of environmental responsibility.

Anson Jones

Anson Jones was a doctor, businessman and the last president of the Republic of Texas. After failing as a doctor and entrepreneur, he moved into politics and was elected president, despite a weak campaign. Jones was partly responsible for Texas’ annexation into the Union of the United States. After his presidency, Anson became increasingly depressed and ultimately—and famously—committed suicide outside the Rice Hotel in downtown Houston.

Mack Brown

Mack Brown, born 1951, is the head football coach at the University of Texas. You may have heard of it—it’s that little school across the river. There is nothing bigger than football at the University of Texas, so Austin is a huge football town. Brown is responsible for reviving the UT football program, and is the only UT football coach to ever reach the 200 win milestone. Brown has led the team to 11 consecutive bowl game appearances and a Rose Bowl win in 2005. Brown and his family are very active in the community, especially with early childhood education and child abuse prevention.