It Was The Original Austin. Now, Locals Can’t Agree How To Pronounce It.

The San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site was pronounced with a Spanish inflection when it was founded. But as the Spanish culture moved out, its pronunciation changed.

By Laura RiceJuly 23, 2018 11:37 am,

Brian McAuley is the site manager for the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site. It was named by a Mexican official – so it would have a Spanish inflection – but locals now call it what sounds like “San Phillip.” It’s a great topic of debate for historians.

McAuley says most of the locals who weren’t bilingual just called it Austin. Some joke that it’s the Austin that Stephen F. Austin actually lived in – rather than the current capital itself.

Written by Amber Chavez.