This website will be covering several legends from around central Texas. From the cities San Marcos, Austin, Kyle, and Buda this page will dive into several fascinating stories and legends.
San Marcos has a rich history with the mythical figure known as the mermaid , so much that it has been titled as the mermaid capitol of Texas. The connection between San Marcos and mermaids stems from the Native Americans who believed that the San Marcos springs were a sacred place and the birthplace of the mermaid. Eventually the theme park known as Aquarena Springs would open, featuring the "Aquamaids", women who would dress as mermaids and perform for the masses. While the theme park would eventually close down, the connection between mermaids and San Marcos remains.Now Aquarena Springs is owned and protected by Texas State University, while the legend of the mermaid remains strong within the city of San Marcos. So much the city holds a yearly mermaid festival and parade to honor and celebrate the graceful myths.
Lesser known folklore within San Marcos includes the tale of Genevieve Gery and her daughter Isabelle. The two are said to have lived along the San Marcos river in the late 1600's, eventually being charged for supposed witch craft and devil worship, leading to their deaths. This tale ties into the supposed ghost sightings people have claimed to have occured near the San Marcos river.. Local residents have claimed to have heard the wailing of a woman in the past. While the validity of this tale is not confirmed, it makes a good spooky story.
The oldest building on Texas State's campus, and the first building to open for Texas State. Local legends describes an event where a young student threw herself off of the third floor balcony, supposedly after her lover died in the military. Since then students have reported witnessing her spirit wonder the halls of Old Main. Old Main in general is a hot spot for spooky stories on the campus of Texas State University, due to its sheer age it has a long history filled with many figures who have come and gone, making several ghost stories be crafted over the years.
The Driskill Hotel has a reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the United States.For a good reason too, the Driskill hotel is the location of several well known Austin urban legends and stories. While I cannot cover every single legend that haunts the walls of the Driskill, I will cover the one I heard the most growing up in central Texas. The tale of the Jilted bride, a tail detailing the story of a bride who was left at the altar by her groom. As the story goes they had pre-booked a room at the Driskill, after the fateful wedding day the bride decided to stay in the room by herself. The room that was once meant to be a center of celebration now only served as a reminder that she had been abandoned. Some say she drank herself to death, others say she hung herself in the closet, but no matter the legends details they all end the same, with the ex-bride never leaving that room alive. Since then this tale has led to several supposed ghost sightings and hauntings. Sights of the brides spirit wandering the halls or haunting newly weds. No matter what, it makes a chilling story.
The Midnight Killer, also known as "The Servant Girl Annihilator" was a unidentified serial killer active in Austin, Texas between 1884 to 1885. He committed a total of 8 murders, 7 women and one man. The majority of his victims being young black women. Now the legend aspect of this tale comes to the rumor that this man was Jack The Ripper. Many say that after his time in Austin he went to London to continue his killings. Personally, I do not think this holds any truth, but it is a fascinating and eerie legend.
Having brought entertainment to Austinites for over 100 years, the paramount theatre has naturally garnered multiple legends surrounding it. The most prominent legend being the story of the three ghosts that haunt the theatre. But the most well known ghost has been named Emily by the locals. Emily is said to roam the halls in a white dress and cause mischief for workers and visitors of the paramount theatre. Walter is another ghost that is said to haunt the theatre, breaking equipment often. Tales say that Walter can be bribed with snacks and drinks to tame his need to destroy. There is also the tale of the old man who sits high above the crowd smoking a cigar.
The Kyle Hanging tree is located where the small towns first cemetary was placed.The legend is a short, but fascinating tale. It says that hundreds of years ago a group of cowboys found a man hanging from the tree. The man would be cut down and buried not far from the oak tree that his corpse hung off of. The tomb of this unknown cowboy would later be turned into the Kyle cemetary, or atleast thats how the legend goes.
Many towns have a hanging tree, and along with that they typically have legends to pair with it. Kyle is of course no acception, though its legend is fairly short compared to other towns legends. This legend stands out however due to its connection with the Kyle cemetary. The simple act of empathy from the three men in the legend. They didn't know the dead man, but they still took the time to give him a proper burial.
In a way that could be carried on as a message for the cemetary itself. The importance of showing empathy and care for the dead no matter who they are or were to you. That everyone deserves to be layed to rest properly, even if their name goes unknown. Empathy is such an important factor of the human experience and that is what this legend embodies.
The old antique shop located in downtown Buda, Texas is the home to many stories and legends. The owners have described several incidents of strange occurances. Many incidents involving the third floor of the shop, which has been completly blocked off for years. Several individuals have reported seeing movement on the third floor or lights flickering. Footsteps can also often be heard occuring on the third floor. Quite spooky stories overall. The owners are happy to speak with any guests regarding hauntings and happenings in the shop.
Some say that the shop had been a brothel decades ago. Others say that it had simply been a small hotel for those passing by. But no matter what, this building contains a rich fascinating history embedded within its walls. If you are ever in Buda, this antique mall would be worth a visit. Even if its just to appreciate the beauty of the building. If your a history buff, make sure not to miss it.
The town that is today known as Buda originally went by the name of "Du Pre" upon the towns founding in 1881. However the name would later be changed to Buda years later in 1887. There exist several legends and theories regarding how the name Buda was chosen for the town. One theory relates the name back to Budapest, Hungary. However one popular legend says that rail travelers would often stop in the town and refer to it as "Viudas", meaning windows. People say that this naturally evolved into calling the town Buda.
This document was last modified .