Henly, Texas, Hays County. (original) (raw)

A former Henly store
TE photo

History in a Pecan Shell

Hill Country towns weren't noted for being 19th Century beehives of activity. There was plenty of work in the German communities, to be sure, but in this town with the Anglo-sounding name - things appear to have always been quiet.

It was settled by someone named Henly about 1880 since it was conveniently on the Austin - Johnson City road. They got a post office in 1881 which was discontinued in the 1960s.

It was said to have been an agricultural community - with cotton as a main crop. At one time it had a justice of the peace, a doctor, and a school. Population estimates were for a mere twenty-five people from 1884 to 1965. A population boom occurred in the 1960s and it shot up to fifty-five where it has remained.

Currently there are only a small cluster of buildings, a sign saying Henley and not much more.

Onion Creek, FM 165 south of Henly:

1907 Hays County Postal Map showing Henly
(near Blanco County line)
From Texas state map #2090, modified
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

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