Georgetown, Texas, Williamson County seat. (original) (raw)
Georgetown town square
TE Photo, September 2004
History in a Pecan Shell
The Tonkawa Indians had an established village on the river many years before the arrival of settlers. Founded in 1848, Georgetown was named to honor George Washington Glasscock, (namesake of Glasscock County as well) who donated land for the town.
Georgetown was a population of immigrants with Swedish, German, Austrian, Swiss, Moravian and Czech settlers joining transplanted Americans from Tennessee, South Carolina and other Southern states.
Southwestern University was founded in 1873 and Georgetown received a railroad five years later. From the 1880s to the 1920s the production of cotton was the major economic engine. A railroad to Austin was completed in 1904.
A flood in 1921 resulted in the impounding of the San Gabriel River and eventually led to the creation of Lake Georgetown, which (officially) opened in 1979.
Population growth has been explosive during the 1980s and 90s, although downtown Georgetown has managed to maintain it's 19th Century charm.
Georgetown, Texas Landmarks / Attractions
- National Register Historic Districts -
1. Williamson County Courthouse District
2. Belford National District
3. The University Avenue/Elm Street District
Visitor Center has walking and driving tour information - San Gabriel Park -
"The South San Gabriel River flows through beautiful San Gabriel Park ... The park is situated in downtown Georgetown within walking distance of the historical district." ... more - Family Playscape - Build for children in San Gabriel Park
- Lake Georgetown
- Inner Space Cavern
- Sun City Georgetown's Legacy Hills Golf Course
- Georgetown Hotels › Book Here
Downtown Georgetown at dusk
TE Photo, December 2005
Moon over Georgetown Masonic Lodge
TE Photo, December 2005
More Texas Lodges
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St. John's Methodist Church in Georgetown TE Photo More Texas Churches |
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Georgetown Ironwork
TE Photo, December 2005
PEOPLE
Robert McAlpin Williamson
- Namesake of Williamson County
- Three-Legged Willie Stood Tall by Clay Coppedge
In front of the Williamson Museum in Georgetown is a statue of the county's namesake, Robert McAlpin Williamson. Dapper in a long-tailed coat, double-breasted vest and cane, he projects all the strength and wisdom we'd expect to see in a namesake. But wait a minute. What's the deal with that leg? Or legs? more - Three-legged Willie by Bob Bowman ("All Things Historical" Column)
- Bill Pickett by Clay Coppedge
"Pickett is honored not only with a spot in the Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame but also with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo in Oklahoma. Pickett Elementary School in Georgetown is named for him."
Georgetown Tourist Information
Georgetown Visitor Center -
Attractions, shopping, dining, lodging and events information.101 West 7th St.
800-436-8696
http://www.georgetown.org/
City of Georgetown
Address 113 E. 8th Street Georgetown, Texas 78626
Mailing Address PO Box 409 Georgetown, Texas 78627
General information, City Hall 512.930.3652
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