Imagine stumbling upon a massive round rock. It sits right in the middle of Brushy Creek.
This is the Round Rock. It gave our city its name.
In 1851 a small community started near this rock. The rock made crossing the creek easy. Wagons horses and cattle all used it. The first postmaster called the area Brushy Creek. But in 1854 they renamed it Round Rock. They honored the famous rock.
After the Civil War Jesse Chisholm drove cattle through here. He headed to Abilene Kansas. His route crossed Brushy Creek at the Round Rock. It became known as the Chisholm Trail.
Texas sculptor Jim Thomas captured this history. He created a bronze sculpture of life on the Chisholm Trail. It shows the cattle drive and the crossing of Brushy Creek.
The Round Rock is more than just a landmark. It represents Round Rock’s history. It is a reminder of the Chisholm Trail.
Downtown Round Rock saw a famous gunfight. The Texas Rangers captured train robber Sam Bass here in 1878. They killed him. You can visit his grave in the Round Rock Cemetery. It is northwest of Old Town on Sam Bass Road.
In the first half of the 20th century cotton boomed here. Round Rock sits on fertile blackland prairie soil. This made it ideal for growing cotton. Nearby Taylor was a major cotton center.
In the 1950s Interstate 35 changed Round Rock. City leaders wanted the highway. It brought economic benefits. The highway went through Round Rock. It helped the city grow.
Today Round Rock is a thriving city. Dell Technologies has its headquarters here. There are many other major employers. Round Rock is a great place to live work and play.
The Chisholm Trail Crossing Park preserves Round Rock’s heritage. It shows the city’s role in the cattle drive. The bronze sculptures show Hattie Cluck and her son with their steers.
The Old Settlers Association reunions started in 1904. They celebrate the early settlers of Williamson County. The reunions happen yearly.
Round Rock has become the Sports Capital of Texas. Old Settlers Park offers many sports facilities. You can play baseball softball soccer and more.
Round Rock is a dynamic city. It has a rich history. The Round Rock itself stands as a symbol of our past. It is a reminder of our journey from a small settlement to a thriving city. Take a moment to appreciate this rock. It represents the spirit of Round Rock.