Leander, Texas. (original) (raw)

Leander United Methodist Church
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, December 2008

History in a Pecan Shell

Leander began life as a community named Bagdad � located a mile west of what was soon to become Leander. Bagdad was bypassed by the railroad and as merchants moved to the tracks, a new name was required. Thankful for a connection with the outside world, the people chose railroad official Leander Brown as the town�s namesake.

Lots went on sale in July of 1882. The Masons built their local lodge to accommodate the local schoolchildren until 1899 when a high school was built � financed by the selling of stock. Leander was content living in relative seclusion through the late 1960s. Austinites viewed the town as breathing room and subdivisions started appearing. Now included in the Greater Austin area, Leander�s population doubled from 3,400 in 1990 to 7,600 by the 2000 census. In 2018, the population estimate was 56,111.

Leander Texas historical marker
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, December 2008

Historical Marker:

Leander

Leander grew from the once thriving town of Bagdad, founded in 1854 (1 mi. W). when the Austin & Northwestern Railroad bypassed Bagdad in 1882, a new town was surveyed and named for railroad official Leander Brown (1817-89). Homes and businesses from the older community quickly moved to the new site along the rail line.The post office was brought here from Bagdad in 1882. The school started here in 1893 has grown into the largest school district in Williamson County. Originally in a rural area, Leander had boomed in recent years due to Highland Lakes development.
1975

Leander Presbyterian Church
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, December 2008

"Webster Massacre Centennial Tablet Marker is located in Leander on SH(NOT US) 183 about 2 blocks southeast of the intersection with FM 2243." -
Barclay Gibson, December 2008 photo

Leanderthal Lady historical marker in Leander
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, December 2008

Leander Presbyterian Church Sesquecentennial marker
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, December 2008

Texas Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories, landmarks and vintage or recent photos, please contact us.