Barbara Jordan

Barbara Jordan Sites: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Austin Historical Sites Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Barbara Jordan, a pioneering politician, educator, and civil rights leader, stands as an enduring symbol of justice, unity, and progress in Texas and American history. Austin, Texas, honors her profound legacy through a collection of memorial sites that invite reflection, education, and inspiration. This guide delivers comprehensive details on each major Barbara Jordan memorial—including visiting hours, accessibility, tickets, historical context, and practical travel advice—ensuring you can fully appreciate these significant Austin historical sites.

For further reading and official updates, see AustinTexas.gov, History.com, and VOA Learning English.

Introduction
Barbara Jordan: Historical Significance
Key Memorial Sites in Austin
Practical Visitor Information
Accessibility and Amenities
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion & Further Resources
References

Barbara Jordan: Historical Significance

Barbara Charline Jordan (1936–1996) broke numerous barriers throughout her life. Born in Houston’s Fifth Ward, she became the first African American elected to the Texas Senate since Reconstruction and, in 1972, the first Black woman from the South to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. Jordan’s compelling oratory during the Watergate hearings, her passionate advocacy for civil rights, and her role as an educator at the LBJ School of Public Affairs have left a lasting mark on American society (History.com; VOA Learning English).

Key Memorial Sites in Austin

Barbara Jordan Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Location: 3600 Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX 78719
Visiting Hours: Open 24/7 (statue accessible outside security in baggage claim area)
Admission: Free; no ticket required
Accessibility: ADA-compliant; wheelchair accessible
Highlights:

Life-size bronze statue by Bruce Wolfe, depicting Jordan in a pose of thoughtful leadership
Main terminal named in her honor, serving as a cultural gateway to Austin
Interpretive plaques with quotations and biographical context
Permanent and rotating art installations; live music performances are a signature feature
Official info

Photography is encouraged, especially at the statue. Be mindful of airport security and passenger flow.

Public transportation: Capital Metro Route 20 provides direct service from downtown.

(AustinTexas.gov; KVUE; Austin Chronicle)

Barbara Jordan Statue at the University of Texas at Austin

Location: 307 W. 24th St., under the Battle Oaks, UT Austin campus
Visiting Hours: Year-round during daylight hours; outdoors
Admission: Free; no ticket required
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; accessible pathways throughout campus
Highlights:

First statue of a woman and Black woman on the UT Austin campus
12-foot-tall bronze statue by Bruce Wolfe, unveiled April 24, 2009
Surrounded by granite walls inscribed with Jordan’s quotes on justice and democracy
Proximity to Black Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies, and LGBTQ Studies buildings
Site of educational events, campus tours, and commemorations
UT News coverage

(UT News; Austin Monthly; Austin Insider Blog)

Texas State Cemetery

Location: 909 Navasota St., Austin, TX 78702
Visiting Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Admission: Free; no ticket required
Accessibility: ADA-compliant; accessible restrooms and parking
Highlights:

Barbara Jordan’s grave in Republic Hill, Row N—the first Black woman interred here
Upright grave marker with a sculpted relief and inscription:
“PATRIOT TEACHER ‘ELOQUENT CHAMPION OF ETHICS AND JUSTICE’ ‘WE THE PEOPLE SALUTE YOU’”
Self-guided and group tours available; brochures and audio tours provided
Beautiful landscaped grounds with interpretive signage
Visitor info

(Texas State Cemetery; Find a Grave; The Clio)

Texas State Capitol: Portrait of Barbara Jordan in the Senate Chamber, viewable during free guided Capitol tours (Texas Highways).
LBJ School of Public Affairs (UT Austin): Jordan taught here from 1979–1996; the Barbara Jordan Chair in Ethics and Political Values honors her legacy (Barbara Jordan LBJ Legacy).

Practical Visitor Information

Parking: Paid parking is available at UT Austin and the Texas State Cemetery. The airport offers ample parking.
Public Transit: Capital Metro buses serve the airport, UT Austin, and downtown.
Guided Tours:
- UT Austin: Campus walking tours include the Barbara Jordan statue (Austin Insider Blog).
- Texas State Cemetery: Free self-guided tours; group tours by appointment.
- Capitol: Free guided tours that include Jordan’s portrait.
Special Events: Look for ceremonies and educational events during Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and on Jordan’s birthday.

Accessibility and Amenities

All major sites (airport terminal, UT campus, cemetery, Capitol) are wheelchair accessible.
The airport and cemetery provide accessible restrooms and parking.
The airport features local dining options, live music, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations.
The cemetery offers restrooms, water fountains, and free parking.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Best Times to Visit: Weekdays and early mornings or late afternoons for a quieter experience.
Combine Sites: Visit both the airport terminal and the cemetery for a comprehensive tribute.
Downtown Austin: Explore museums, the Capitol, and local dining nearby.
Interactive Maps: Check online for campus, airport, and cemetery maps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Barbara Jordan visiting hours at the airport terminal?
A: The Barbara Jordan statue is accessible 24/7 in the baggage claim area at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Q: Do I need tickets to visit the Barbara Jordan statues or cemetery?
A: No tickets or admission fees are required at any Barbara Jordan memorial site.

Q: Are the memorials wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, all locations are ADA-compliant and offer accessible amenities.

Q: Can I take photographs at the memorial sites?
A: Photography is encouraged at the Barbara Jordan statue (airport and UT campus) and at the cemetery, provided you respect the space and other visitors.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, at the Texas State Cemetery (groups by appointment), UT Austin (campus tours), and the Capitol (free tours).

Q: What is the best time to visit for fewer crowds and good photos?
A: Early mornings or late afternoons offer optimal lighting and a quieter atmosphere.

Conclusion & Further Resources

Barbara Jordan’s memorials in Austin offer meaningful, accessible experiences that celebrate her trailblazing achievements and enduring impact on civil rights, politics, and education. Whether visiting the airport terminal, the UT Austin statue, or her grave at the Texas State Cemetery, you can connect deeply with her legacy and Austin’s rich historical landscape.

For more information on Barbara Jordan, Austin’s historical sites, and real-time visitor updates, download the Audiala app and follow local Austin heritage resources.