What if I told you Jollyville began with a blacksmith and a general store? This is Jollyville. It is more than just a neighborhood in northern Austin. Jollyville has a rich history dating back to the 19th century.
In 1841, Henry Rhodes secured a land grant. It comprised about 1,000 acres from the Republic of Texas. The name Jollyville, however, came later. John G. Jolly bought 160 acres in 1866. There is no proof of a middle name. John and his wife Nancy Isabell Jolly ran a blacksmith shop. They also ran a general store. Imagine the clanging of the hammer and the scent of iron. Picture townsfolk bartering for goods. This was the heart of early Jollyville.
The Jollys were community-minded. They donated land for a school. This building also served as a church. The Jollys also donated land for a cemetery. They were eventually buried there. For decades, Jollyville remained a small, quiet place. Only twenty families lived here in 1960.
The nearby city of Austin began to grow. Jollyville transformed into a suburban community. According to the 2010 census, 16,151 people called Jollyville home. Jollyville was a census-designated place in both Travis and Williamson counties. It has since been annexed by Austin.
Jollyville has a total area of 5.9 square miles. All of it is land. The climate features hot humid summers. Winters are generally mild to cool. The Köppen Climate Classification calls it “Cfa.” This means humid subtropical.
Education is important here. Jollyville is part of the Round Rock Independent School District. Forest North, Jollyville, Live Oak, and Pond Springs elementary schools serve the area. Middle school students attend Deerpark or Pearson Ranch. All Jollyville students are zoned to McNeil High School.
In 1998, Jollyville had a population of 20,384. Around 1970, Jollyville schools joined Round Rock. Jollyville schools later annexed Anderson Mill. Several institutions of higher learning hold classes at Westwood School.
Lakeline Mall is a busy retail center. It is located in the old Pond Spring area. State Farm Insurance, Selectron, and Motorola are major businesses. Jollyville also boasts a country club. There are eight banks and four car dealerships. Residents enjoy two large golf courses. A large library serves the community. For medical needs, residents go to Seton Northwest. There are six large clinics and two retirement centers.
From a humble blacksmith shop to a thriving suburb, Jollyville has transformed. It showcases the spirit of Texas. It embodies community and growth.