Exploring Downtown Round Rock Texas - Walk and Talk A Little History - Texas Travel History

Описание: Visit Curious Perro - Stay Curious and Live the Life Less Traveled
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Welcome to Round Rock, Texas — Back in 1851, settlers gathered along the banks of Brushy Creek, drawn by fertile land, fresh water, and a natural low-water crossing marked by a large, round, limestone rock. Wagons, horses, and cattle could cross here without getting swept downstream, which in frontier Texas was kind of a big deal.
At first, the settlement was called Brushy Creek — practical, but not exactly catchy. In 1854, the postmaster suggested a name change, and the town became Round Rock, honoring that now-famous stone. Today, the original rock is still there near Chisholm Trail Street, quietly minding its business and carrying the weight of an entire city’s origin story.
After the Civil War, Round Rock found itself right in the path of history — specifically, cattle history. Texas ranchers needed routes to move massive herds north to Kansas, where cattle could be shipped east and sold for serious money. One of the most important routes was led by trail driver Jesse Chisholm.
The Chisholm Trail, used from 1867 to 1884, passed directly through Round Rock, crossing Brushy Creek at — you guessed it — the round rock. Thousands upon thousands of cattle crossed here. Cowboys, dust, noise, and long days turned this quiet creek crossing into a vital artery of the Texas economy.
The original settlement near the creek eventually became known as Old Town, and parts of it still survive today. One of the oldest structures is the Palm House, built in 1848 using locally quarried limestone. It once served stagecoach travelers and is a reminder that Round Rock was a stopover long before it was a suburb. But Round Rock’s future would soon change direction — and that direction was east.
In 1876, the International and Great Northern Railroad bypassed Old Town. Instead of fighting progress, the town made a smart move: it relocated its commercial center closer to the tracks. This new area became known as “New Town,” which is now today’s historic downtown.
The railroad sparked a building boom. Businesses followed the trains, limestone buildings went up, and Round Rock officially entered its next chapter.
And then… things got a little wild.
On July 19, 1878, downtown Round Rock became the scene of one of the most famous shootouts in Texas history — the Sam Bass Shootout.
Sam Bass was a notorious outlaw known for robbing trains across the state. Texas Rangers tracked him to Round Rock after a robbery near Fort Worth. When Bass tried to escape, a gunfight erupted in the streets.
Ranger George Herold and Ranger Sergeant Richard Ware returned fire. Sheriff’s Deputy A.W. Grimes was killed, and Bass was mortally wounded. A witness famously said, “I think you got him,” which might be the most casual response to a gunfight in history.
Bass later died from his injuries and was buried in Round Rock Cemetery along the road now called Sam Bass Road. Every year, the shootout is reenacted during Frontier Days — because if you’re going to have outlaw history, you might as well lean into it.
By the late 1800s and early 1900s, Round Rock continued to grow. In 1897, a public mineral well was drilled at Main and Mays Streets, becoming a popular gathering place. Apparently, people have always loved hanging out downtown — even before coffee shops.
Then came the 1930s, when Mays Street became part of U.S. Highway 81. Once again, transportation reshaped the city. Cars replaced cattle, but traffic still meant business. This era added Art Deco and mid-century architectural touches that you can still see today.
Meanwhile, agriculture powered the region. Thanks to rich “blackland prairie” soil — also known as “black waxy,” which sounds weird but grows great crops — cotton became king. Fields stretched east of town, while ranching dominated the west.

Photo Credit: The Rock
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