From St. John Colony to East Austin: A Heritage Bus Tour

Discover the history, land, and legacy of one of Texas's historic Black freedom colonies on this special Heritage Weekend experience! Join Black Austin Tours for an exclusive journey from East Austin to St. John Colony, a historic freedom colony established by formerly enslaved Black Texans in the 1870s. Spanning more than 2,000 acres, this rural community has deep connections to East Austin, where families migrated and helped build the city's Black businesses, neighborhoods, and institutions. Travel aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned bus as we explore the history, people, and traditions that connect these two communities. What You'll Experience: • St. John Colony School Museum: Discover the community's history of education, freedom, and self-determination. • Historic Emancipation Grounds: Visit the site of an annual Juneteenth celebration dating back to 1872, among the oldest continuing Juneteenth traditions in the country. • St. John Colony Cemetery: Explore generations of family history, including the resting place of Azie Taylor Morton, the first Black U.S. Treasurer. • Community Stories & Black Landownership: Hear directly from community members about their heritage, land preservation, and the ongoing legacy of St. John Colony. • A Taste of Texas BBQ: Enjoy an included barbecue sandwich while learning about Black Texans' foundational contributions to Central Texas barbecue traditions. Whether you're passionate about Black history, discovering your heritage, or simply looking for a unique Austin experience, this special tour brings history to life beyond the city limits. Event Details Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026 Departure: 9:00 AM from Ideal Barbershop, 1914 E. 12th Street, Austin, TX Transportation: Round-trip, air-conditioned charter bus Included: Guided historical experience, community interactions, and barbecue sandwich Limited seats available! This is a special, one-time Heritage Weekend tour. Reserve your seat and experience the history that connects St. John Colony to East Austin. Presented by Black Austin Tours as part of Heritage Weekend 2026.