Austin is full of stories that’ll make you chuckle, squirm, and shake your head. Though most of it is based on rumors and word of mouth, you can’t help but wonder if any of these tall tales hold any truth. Whether they’re fictional or fact, one thing is always certain: these are six Austin urban legends that you’ll never forget.
- The origin of Bevo, UT’s mascot
Simon Willison/Flickr Although UT has showcased the longhorn mascot for decades, his name wasn’t always Bevo. According to legend, Bevo got his name after the Longhorn football team played an embarrassingly bad game against the Aggies. Losing 13-0, the Aggies branded their mascot with the final scores. Making the best out of the situation, the Longhorns re-branded those numbers to spell Bevo. The rest, as they say, is history.
- Hauntings at Buffalo Billards
Larry Miller/Flickr This sixth street billiard bar is said to be home to a mischievous ghost named Fred. Some bartenders even pour a beer for him at the beginning of each shift just to keep him happy.
- The mysterious moontowers across the city
Matthew Rutledge/Flickr Austin is the only city to still have its moontowers. According to legend, these illuminating structures were built after the gruesome serial killings from The Servant Girl Annihilator.
- The secret reason behind Austin’s violet sunsets
Bobby Bradley/Flickr You may observe these purple sunsets and gape at their stunning hue. Some people, however, believe the reason for this “violet crown” is due to a cloud of lithium. This chemical haze is thought to be the reason why Austinites feel so happy all the time.
- The ghostly figures lingering at The Clay Pit
Clay Pit Austin/Facebook Ask any server at the Clay Pit for ghost stories, and they’ll give you plenty. Whether it’s the plates mysteriously shattering in the kitchen or the giggling voices heard in the empty ballroom, there’s no mistaking that this historic building has a few ghosts.
- An architect’s grudge
Becky Lai/Flickr Many people have noticed that the Frost bank tower looks like an owl from a certain angle, and some believe that was intentional. The architect is said to be an alumni from Rice University who placed his alma mater’s mascot in longhorn territory. An outrage!
What do you think? Do these Austin urban legends hold any truth?
Simon Willison/Flickr
Although UT has showcased the longhorn mascot for decades, his name wasn’t always Bevo. According to legend, Bevo got his name after the Longhorn football team played an embarrassingly bad game against the Aggies. Losing 13-0, the Aggies branded their mascot with the final scores. Making the best out of the situation, the Longhorns re-branded those numbers to spell Bevo. The rest, as they say, is history.
Larry Miller/Flickr
This sixth street billiard bar is said to be home to a mischievous ghost named Fred. Some bartenders even pour a beer for him at the beginning of each shift just to keep him happy.
Matthew Rutledge/Flickr
Austin is the only city to still have its moontowers. According to legend, these illuminating structures were built after the gruesome serial killings from The Servant Girl Annihilator.
Bobby Bradley/Flickr
You may observe these purple sunsets and gape at their stunning hue. Some people, however, believe the reason for this “violet crown” is due to a cloud of lithium. This chemical haze is thought to be the reason why Austinites feel so happy all the time.
Clay Pit Austin/Facebook
Ask any server at the Clay Pit for ghost stories, and they’ll give you plenty. Whether it’s the plates mysteriously shattering in the kitchen or the giggling voices heard in the empty ballroom, there’s no mistaking that this historic building has a few ghosts.
Becky Lai/Flickr
Many people have noticed that the Frost bank tower looks like an owl from a certain angle, and some believe that was intentional. The architect is said to be an alumni from Rice University who placed his alma mater’s mascot in longhorn territory. An outrage!
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