Austin

In 1823 the town of Oakland Grove was founded. By 1861 the name had been changed to Austin. According to a false local legend the once thriving town of over 30 residences was almost selected as the State Capitol. Beginning in 1858, the town was a stage stop for the famous Butterfield Overland Mail Line from Memphis to Fort Smith. During the Civil War both sides occupied the area with the Methodist Church being used as a hospital. In the post war years the town recovered but in the late 1800's the railroad by-passed the town resulting in its slow death. Home of one of the state's oldest Baptist Association, the town was almost selected as the site of the Ouachita Baptist University.

Lonoke County Historical Commission.