The area around Austin began to be settled by pioneers in the 1830s. Spanish forts were established at what are now the towns of Bastrop and San Marcos. In 1835-36, Texans fought against Mexico and won their independence. Texas became a country. The Texas Congress formed a commission in 1839 to look for a new capital city of Texas and chose the site where Austin is now. Originally the name was to be Waterloo, however, it was changed to Austin to honour Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas" and the first secretary of state.  Stephen F. Austin (1793 - 1836) was born in Virginia. In 1825, he led the second successful colonization of of the region by bringing 300 families and their slaves from the United States to the Tejas region of Mexico. Austin maintained good relations with the Mexican government and helped suppress the Fredonian Rebellion - the first attempt by Anglo Texans to secede from Mexico. He also helped introduce slavery to Texas, despite Mexico's opposition....