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Surrounding Communities
BASTROP, "Home of the Lost Pines"
www.cityofbastrop.org
www.bastropchamber.com
History
Established in 1832 as part of Stephen F. Austin’s “little Colony,” Bastrop is the second oldest incoprporated city in Texas. You can see more than 100 homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally the site served as a meeting ground for the Tonkawa and other southwestern Indians. It also provided a vital Colorado River crossing on the Old San Antonio Road-El Camino Real. It was not until 1821, however that Moses Austin journeyed through the area and determined to build a settlement on the site. His son, Stephen F. Austin, fulfilled that dream after his father’s death. He named the city and county in honor of the Baron de Bastrop, who was instrumental in heloping Austin create the “Little Colony.” Bastrop came in second place as the choice for the new republic’s capitol city.
Today, downtown Bastrop represents a unique blending of the old and new. Nestled on the banks of the Colorado River, the historic district is filled with a
variety of shops and restaurants.
In and Around Bastrop
Highlights include the Bastrop Opera House, Bastrop Historical Society Museum, The Antique Car Museum in Rosansky, shopping and dining (over 35 eating places!), Bastrop State Park, Bastrop State Park Golf Course, Lake Bastrop, RV Parks, cabins and camping, The Riverwalk on the Colorado River, two city parks, three scenic 18-hole golf courses, five golf driving ranges, hiking, biking and equestrian trails and McKinney Roughs Natural Science Center & Preserve.
CEDAR PARK
, “Gateway to the Hill Country”
www.ci.cedar-park.tx.us/
www.cedarparkchamber.org
History
Various sources indicate that the Cedar Park area has been inhabited for at least 10,000 years-including the book “The History of Cedar Park,” published in the 1980’s; documented evidence from the University of Texas study done in the 1930’s; and from the discovery of the skeleton of “LeAnn, the Leanderthal Lady” during the construction of FM 1431.
The first permanent shelter, a military fort, in what would become WilliamsonCounty, was built in the 1830’s. CedarPark took its name in 1887, but earlier in the 1880’s the community had a number of different names, including Running Brushy and Bruggerhoff. Cedar was used by the Indians and early settlers for building shelters, fencing, furniture, etc. A cedar mill existed at the intersection of US Highway 183 and Cypress Creek Road in the late 1930’s and people in CedarPark
made their living from cutting cedar posts.
A government program in the 1880’s encouraged railroad companies to build in undeveloped areas. In 1881, the Austin and Northwest Railroad Company obtained a charter to bring a narrow gauge railroad from Austin to Burnet. The line was completed in 1882 and would begin the development of CedarPark
. Development was boosted further by the paving of what would become US Highway 183 in 1928.
In the 1970’s, CedarPark’s real growth had begun. Families seeking a more rural homestead moved into the area. As the growth of Austin continued, talk of incorporating CedarPark
began, and in 1973, incorporation occurred.
The City of Cedar Park is a home-rule city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. All the powers of the city are vested in an elected Council, consisting of a mayor and six council members. The council enacts local legislation, determines city policies and employs the city manager.
GEORGETOWN, “Come Experience Georgetown”
www.georgetown.org
www.georgetownchamber.org
History
Located 26 miles north of Austin on Interstate 35, Georgetown is a relaxing community filled with friendly folks and offering visitors a chance to shop, dine, fish, and enjoy a relaxing getaway. This town of 34,000 residents balances historic charm with modern comforts to give guests the best of both worlds. Once home to roving bands of Tonkawa Indians and a meeting site to Sam Houston and his governing peers, Georgetown’s history is as interesting as it is varied. Situated on the Chisholm Trail along the edge of the gently rolling hill country just north of Austin, Georgetown was formally established 150 years ago.
The year was 1848. The story relayed to historian W.L. Mann by his great grandfather, Washington Anderson, tells of Georgetown’s beginnings. Anderson and the four other men assigned the task of locating a county seat were enjoying a brief respite under a large oak tree, when Anderson’s cousin and prodigious landowner, George Washington Glasscock, Sr., rode up on his mule. Sensing a quick solution to their task, Anderson spoke up, “George, if you’ll give us all the land between here and the San GabrielRiver, we’ll make this the county seat and name the town after you.” His cousin agreed, promptly donating 173 acres, with his partner Thomas B. Huling, to establish what was to become a well-preserved link to Texas
’ bygone days.
Known for it’s fastidiously preserved past, Georgetown
is now a town of Victorian-era storefronts, and antique streetlights and brick walks lining shaded downtown streets. More than 180 National Register Historic homes and buildings showcase its eclectic bland of past and present.
In and Around Georgetown
The Polo Barn Dinner Theater…Dinner and Dancing on the Riverbank
The Georgetown Palace Theater
…The Beautifully-Restored Palace Theater
Dinner on a Riverboat…
The Candle Factory
Inner Space Cavern
…
Reunion Ranch
LAGO VISTA
www.citylagovista.homestead.com
www.lagovista.org
History
A popular vacation spot during the 50’s and 60’s, the Lago Vista community was incorporated in 1984 as a lakeside resort development with a variety of homes, condos and golf courses.
Lago Vista in Spanish means, “LakeView.” An appropriate name for this lakeside community along LakeTravis, designated the clearest reservoir in Texas
by the Texas Water Commission.
National Resort Communities, Inc. (formerly Lago Vista Inc.) developed the Lago Vista area with the vision to create a planned community that would create a harmonious lifestyle of natural beauty and recreational facilities, The amenities were to include golf courses, tennis, swimming pools, activity centers, a private airport, and others. As part of this plan, National Resort Communites, Inc. requested that Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Inc supply the electricity for Lago Vista in 1971.
Lago Vista is home to the infamous Bar-K Ranch Resort, owned and operatedby Liz and Newt Johnson. The original Bar-K clubhouse was destroyed by fire in 1982 and subsequently rebuilt. The resort is still a popular and beautiful vacation spot.
The community is active in the preservation of the area and created the LAgo Vista Property Owner’s Association in 1981. Today Lago Vista thrives; it has its own governing body with a mayor and 5 council members. Lago Vista is a relaxed resort community that provides country living, just 30 minutes from Northwest Austin
.
In and Around Lago Vista
Boasting 5,520 acres of rolling green hills, clean air and clean water. The ultimate recreational community, Lago Vista is a year round hub of power boating, water skiing, wake boarding, fishing, swimming, sailing, parasailing, scuba diving. If land based recreation is more your style, Lago Vista has three beautiful golf courses set in tree-covered hills, a good challenge for any avid golfer. There are also a multitude of shops, restaurants and the beautiful 1.2 million square-foot Lakeline Mall.
LAKEWAY, TEXAS, "Water Front Living at it's Best"
www.lakeway.org
www.laketravischamber.com
History
Lakeway begun its rise to prominence along LakeTravis as a hotel and resort. The surrounding property was sold to private individuals and was primarily a site for second homes and retirement properties.
Today, Lakeway has transformed itself froma small resort village established in 1962 into a self-sufficient city with a small town attitude. The ever-growing diversity in the demographics of the community continues to reflect this transformation. The CityPark
, an elementary school and a community center indicate that Lakeway harbors a population of families with children as well as retirees and people with vacation homes.
The centralized local government, consisting of a Mayor and City Council, is now housed in City Hall. A mix of paid employees together with elected and appointed volunteers operates this local government. The paid police department keeps a 24-hour watch on this peaceful and growing community.
Lakeway is populated with people who take pride in the beauty and peace of the community. Much of the service work done in Lakeway is thanks to the volunteers who donate their time to help paid officials tend to the city’s affairs.
In and Around Lakeway
Located just 15 miles southwest of Austin, Lakeway boasts a variety of activities in a beautiful setting. Including, four golf courses, the Lakeway Airpark, the famous Lakeway Inn, the renowned World of Tennis, excellent shopping, three greenbelt areas that provide natural scenic walkways, and the Lakeway Marina. This lovely community provides loads of fun for all ages.
Looking for a home in Lakeway? You can choose to tour by car, boat, and or golf cart!
Contact me, Craig Ellmaker at 512-784-1494 for showtimes!
LEANDER, TEXAS “Close to Nature, Close to Austin”
www.ci.leander.tx.us
www.leandercc.org
Located in Central Texas just 20 miles northwest of Austin on US Highway 183,
Leander is the entrance way to the Texas Hill Country.
History
Leander’s history dates back to the middle 19th century when the town was known as Bagdad Community. Settlers from all over came to live in the small community just miles from the Colorado River. The open land and rolling hills were a promise of new life for many settled here. Leander opened its first post office in 1858. The first public school was founded in 1893 and chartered by the Texas State Constitution in 1899. The city was incorporated in 1978.
Leander’s growth in the period from 1970 to 1980 outpaced every other community in the Austin area, averaging 52 percent per year. As land prices increased in the Austin area, many homebuyers found Leander’s proximity to Austin and its lower home prices a viable solution for them. In early 1985 the City of Leander
annexed five new subdivisions and began construction of the city wastewater system which would accommodate as many as 12,000 new residences.
The city of Leander
has a Council-type form of government, with a mayor and five City Council members.
In and Around Leander, Texas
Highlights include: lakes, tennis courts/baseball diamond at LeanderHigh School, Summer Community Theatre and Crystal Falls Golf Course. ContactParks and Recreation for more info at 512-259-1178.
ROLLINGWOOD, TEXAS
History
The George B. Hatley Company purchased 382.76 acres of land in December 1945, from S. Finley Ewing, less 86 acres of land that went to A.B. Hatley, George’s brother. The property was known as The Rollingwood Addition and cost $67,690. Most of the streets in Rollingwood are named after various Hatley relatives or participants in the original George Hatley Company. George Hatley installed the original water system, which was fabricated of surplus oil field pipes.
The village of Rollingwood
was established in 1955, and the first city council and town marshal was elected at the incorporation election that year. In order to obtain operating funds to finance the Village’s 1955 expenses, an assessment of $25 per house and lot was made; each vacant lot and undeveloped acre of land was assessed at $3.
Rollingwood was quite rural then, and there were numerous complaints from citizens about hunters coming into the area to ‘spotlight’ deer. This led to a subsequent ordinance prohibiting the discharge of firearms within the Village. At that time, the Coty of Austin would bring some of its prisoners to the municipal pistol range in ZilkerPark at the foot of Rollingwood Drive
to work out their fines by maintaining the area, often leaving them without supervision and free to wonder. This led to complaints from citizens about prisoners accosting residents of Rollingwood for handouts of food.
Rollingwood is a ‘general law’ municipality, operating in accordance to the state’s general law applicable to smaller towns, rather than under a city charter. The city is governed by a city council composed of the mayor and five council members/alderman elected at large for 2-year term. The term of council members is staggered.
Police protection is provided 24 hours per day by the Rollingwood police department, Back-up support is provided by the West Lake Hills police department and Travis County Sheriff’s department during high activity periods.
ROUND ROCK, TEXAS “Purpose-Passion-Prosperity”
www.ci.round-rock.tx.us
www.roundrockchamber.org
History
No one know for sure when the spot was first discovered as a low water crossing, but the landmark round rock still stands in Brushy Creek as a tribute to the weary pioneers who forded the creek looking for a better life in the west. Historians note that commerce had begun by the mid-1830’s. But the town was named Round Rock when settlers tried to open the first post office in 1854, after finding out that the name, Brushy, was already taken.
Picture a band of outlaws riding into town on a hot, Texas
summer day; the dust a-flyin’ as they came galloping in. Imagine their surprise when Sheriff Grimes, a local deputy that had heard tale of their comings, met them! Sam Bass was seriously wounded in the gunfire that ensued…but he escaped arrest, only to die the following day. Texas Rangers later found him. The bullet hole still remains in a doorway in downtown. When you visit, see if you can find it!
In 1864, Jesse Chisholm marked his trail, passing near Round Rock from the Rio Grande to Abilene, and the little town of Round Rock began to take form. But the real boom for commerce occurred in 1876 when The Texas Land Company began building a new town across the creek, which became the end of the line for the Great Northern Railroad. Many of the original buildings still exist on Main Street
. Today, the city is the corporate home of Dell Computer’s and The Round Rock Express, a professional AA baseball team.
“Crossing the Brushy”
Crossing the brushy can be described as a truly community-wide project. It combines the vision of a local resident, the talents and skills of an impassioned artist and the drive of a dedicated city government and Chamber of Commerce. Together they will bring this massive sculptured reproduction of a cattle drive to life for Round Rock. The sculpture project will include longhorn steers, cowboys on horses, a small calf, and a campsite approximately eighteen figures in all, cast in bronze and larger than life. It will be permanently displayed for generations to come, preserving the history and marking this important era in Round Rock’s development. Proceeds will help fund this massive project. For more info please call the Chamber of Commerce at 800-747-3479.
SAN MARCOS, TEXAS
“A Texas Natural”
www.ci.san-marcos.tx.us
www.sanmarcostexas.com
History
San Marcos’ history finds its source at the San MarcosRiver. Studies have proven San Marcos one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in North America. Evidence of Native Americans living along the riverbanks dates as far back as 12,000 years. Spanish explorers discovered the springs that form the river on Saint Mark’s Day and named the river for the saint. Nearly 120 years later, the Spanish established a brief settlement named Villa San Marcos de Neve near the present day Sam Marcos. In 1844, the former vice president of the Republic of Texas chose San Marcos for a settlement. By 1851, the town had become the county seat.
In and Around San Marcos, Texas
San Marcos attractions include the San MarcosRiver, a longtime favorite for tubing and relaxation.
Aquarena Center
, which includes glass-bottom boats, historical sites including an old grist mill, the historic ruin of a Spanish mission, and several bird watching trails. At
Wonder World
, you can explore an earthquake-formed cavern and ride to the peak of the 110ft TejasObservationTower. You can also take a unique train ride through MysteryMountain into Texas’ largest wildlife petting park. Other attractions include the Millie Seaton Collection of Dolls and Toys, the Calaboose Museum of African-American History, the Confederate Air Force Exhibit and the Southwestern Writers Collection (Alkek Library).
WEST LAKE HILLS, TEXAS
www.westlakehills.org
www.westlakechamber.com
History
The City of West Lake Hills was founded and incorporated as a village on September 9th, 1953 by a small group of people who wanted to preserve the lifestyle of the hills. The City then included approximately the same area as the City boundaries do today. On December 3rd, 1957, the village was changed to a city to achieve broader powers. The city grew at a rather slow rate and in 1967-1970 its legal status was in limbo due to litigation with the City of Austin over boundary disputes. The litigation was settled in 1970, at which time the Courts established the current boundaries and the extraterritorial jurisdiction of West Lake Hills. The city today is comprised of 2,560 acres with approximately 40 miles of public streets.
West Lake Hills has a Master Plan that projects a maximum population of 6,000. The only commercial development permitted will be in certain areas along Bee Cave Road and Loop 360 and at the intersection of West Lake Drive
and Redbud Trail. The City’s Master Plan established the following goals:
PRESERVE, PROTECT, PERMIT, PROVIDE, PROMOTE, PROMULGATE
West Lake
Hills in unique in many ways. The citizens and their elected and appointed officials are all dedicated to preserving the rural environment and maintaining the natural beauty of the area. Growth is inevitable, but every precaution is taken to ensure controlled growth, which is compatible with the City’s ideals. The City Council has passed strict ordinances limiting lot size to one acre minimum, setbacks for building, and other zoning and building restrictions to insure minimum disturbance of the environment. The primary duties of the Council and the City Administration are to provide public safety and to control development in a manner that will preserve the natural environment and protect the health and welfare of the citizens.
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