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WILLIAMSON COUNTY
WILLIAMSON COUNTY TODAY
Throughout history, the inhabitants of
Williamson County have incorporated their individual customs and practices into
the county’s culture. Early Native Americans bent saplings as signs of water for
later inhabitants to use. Spanish settlers and later Texican settlers brought
farming and ranching to the county and many of their descendants continue in
that tradition.
Subsequent Anglo settlers from the United States worked to break Texas from
Mexico’s control, organized the county and determined its name. The
African-American population, first brought to the county as slaves prior to
1850, has influenced the county culture through strong communities, schools, and
churches. European settlers from Sweden, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and
Czech Moravia left their cultural influence on the county through religious
practices and town names.
It is this varied composition of the people that has made the Williamson County
that exists today. The population continues to grow and new businesses and
industries look to Williamson County because of its distinct nature. From
natural treasures to the diverse nature of its communities, Williamson County
holds its individual place in history and in the state of Texas.
THE PEOPLE AND PLACES OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY
Although Williamson County was formally
created in 1848, people have inhabited the area for over 10,000 years. The clear
waters of the San Gabriel River and its tributaries have attracted to the area
prehistoric peoples, pioneering settlers, and more recently, businesses and
families seeking a high quality of life. The images included in this exhibit
represent the people and communities that have shaped present-day Williamson
County.
The Balcones Escarpment, a geological feature that divides the county along the
IH-35 corridor, splits the county geographically and ecologically. The eastern
half of the county, comprised primarily of fertile, black soil, is excellent for
growing cotton, corn, and other crops. West of the interstate, the soil is
rockier, more rugged, and better suited for raising livestock, such as goats,
sheep, and cattle.
Williamson County has grown steadily since its inception over 150 years ago,
with the first census in 1850 recording 1,568 residents. The estimated 2004
population for Williamson County was 317,938, making it the thirteenth most
populous county in Texas. Round Rock is currently the largest city in the
county, with an estimated 2004 population of 82,040. This recent population
shift from rural areas to industrial communities close to IH-35 and the state
capital of Austin has greatly impacted Williamson County.
click on city/town or image for expanded
information and images
(for Theon click here)
HISTORIC SITES OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY
click here for a more complete listing of towns and cities
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WILLIAMSON COUNTY FLAG
The stars on the flag surrounding the state of
Texas represent the thirty-three viable communities identified by Clara
Stearns Scarbrough in her 1973 book, Land of Good Water. In 1970, these
communities ranged in population from twenty people in Norman’s Crossing to
more than 10,000 residents in Taylor. It is difficult to establish how many
communities exist in Williamson County today, because the determination of
“community” is subjective and without set criteria. However, in Williamson
County in 2004, there were eleven towns with populations of over 1,000
people and seven towns with populations above 5,000.
Courtesy of the Williamson County
Commissioner’s Court |
view detailed
Map of communities and points of
interest in the county from 1836-to-1973.
view
other communities pages
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