Williamson County Historical Commission
contact Wayne Ware (512)
863-2202
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Georgetown, Texas History - est. 1848
Population: 36,462 (2004)
View of the city from Austin Street and 11th Street, 1886. The water tower was used by the local fire department and the fourth county courthouse is visible on the horizon. Georgetown, the county seat for Williamson County. Many businesses, Southwestern University, and the railroad have contributed to Georgetown’s growth. Georgetown was home to Jessie Daniel Ames, state president of the League of Women Voters and anti-lynching advocate.
Courtesy of Georgetown Heritage Society
also view The
Texas Historical Commission write up on -
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View Videos on Georgetown A special thanks to the
Georgetown Heritage Society
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also view The Texas Historical
Commission write ups on – |
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The city of Georgetown is named after
A story relayed to historians - Washington Anderson, tells of Georgetown’s beginnings. Anderson and the four other men assigned the task of locating a county seat were enjoying a brief respite under a large oak tree, when Anderson’s cousin and prodigious landowner, George Washington Glasscock, Sr., (view photo) rode up on his mule. Sensing a quick solution to their task, Anderson spoke up, “George, if you’ll give us all the land between here and the San Gabriel River, we’ll make this the county seat and name the town after you.” His cousin agreed, promptly donating 173 acres, with his partner Thomas B. Huling. Georgetown Texas is the county seat of Williamson County which was formed on March the 13th in the year of 1848. After the early settlers petitioned the State Legislature to create it out of Milam County. But for Three-Legged Willie the county could have been named "San Gabriel" county. It was finally named after Robert M. Williamson aka Three-Legged Willie a Texas statesmen and judge at the time.
also view more on Historical Narrative on Georgetown
click on thumbnail images for an enlarged view
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Public Square,
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Star Grocery Store, north side of square, Georgetown, Texas ca. 1920's - Owners Joe Munson and Tom Lundblad, behind counter |
Central
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Richard
E. Talbot, born in Cambrigde, NY, 17 June 1816, of
Irish immigrant parents. He came to Texas with his
wife and children in 1850's to join brothers Elias
and Joseph Talbot. Richard |
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Kimbro and Friends in Front of Blacksmith Shop. Georgetown, Texas ca 1890's
The 5th
and last Williamson County Courthouse was built in
1910-1911 at
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Knight's Spring &
Kimbro and Friends in Front of Blacksmith Shop. Georgetown, Texas ca 1890's
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Georgetown Fire Dept. & R.O. "Bob" Davis, who later became Fire Chief, 2nd from left in truck.
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Georgetown fireman including Lonnie Watkins, in
about 1919. l-r: Mr Mood, George Klohey, Jeff Gordan,
driver R.D. Bole Davis [Firechief], Pat Goodlet, Sid
Peerl [standing], M. Wilcox. Mr. Davis and his wife
lived upstairs with a sliding pole in their
apartment. |
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Berry's Mill, built 1848, NE of Georgetown, Texas
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Baby
Shower for Lenen Howland, who is expecting Lu Ann
Howland, ca. Jan. |
Leo
Darby with delivery Model T while working for San
Antonio Light |
J.W.
Fielder Family, ca 1888, standing: Laura-daughter,
Martha Jane Townsley-sister in law, Susan
Alice-wife, front Ollie, Earl, J.W. Fielder, |
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Williamson County Livestock Show, Victor Kokel buys
Carl Holmstom's Blue Ribbon Lamb, ca.1965. Victor
Kokel was President of the Williamson County |
The original St. Johns United Methodist Church and cemetery of Georgetown in 1900. The congregation moved to 311 E. University Ave in Georgetown |
St. John's Swedish Methodist Church's nine early preachers, Georgetown, Texas |
Andrew Prikryl & Mary Zrubek's Wedding Photo. Ceremony was at Courthouse, Georgetown, Texas, March 6, 1886 |
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Anna
Louise Trowbridge Talbot, wife of R.E. Talbot, lived
between Circlleville and Jonah, Texas. Came to the
area in 1853. Brother of Joseph Talbot of Taylor,
Texas and brother of Elias Talbot, merchant in
Georgetown, Texas. Was friend of Sam Houston,
ca.1854 |
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L.N. "Lonnie" Watkins "Nook Confectionery", South Side of Square, next to Burkhart's Newstand, Georgetown, Texas, ca. 1920.
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Karen Thompson at Harper-Chessher House
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Georgetown Light and Water Works
circa 1911
403 W. 9th
view History on
LISTED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER
also view
Williamson County Historical Markers
| also view The Texas
Historical Commission write ups on – Georgetown History Belford Historic District in Georgetown Texas University Avenue - Elm Street Historic District Williamson County Courthouse Historic District |
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Recuerdos Mexicanos
A History of Hispanic Culture
in Georgetown, Texas
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Links for more history
and images
San Gabriel Masonic Lodge Building Mather Cabin From Gabriel Mills Texas
Southwestern University
Ladies' Annex
Georgetown History
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