112-620: Hutto is a city in Williamson County, Texas , United States. It is part of the Austin–Round Rock metropolitan area. The population was 42,326 at the 2024 census . Hutto was established in 1855 when the International-Great Northern Railroad passed through land owned by John Hutto (1824–1914), for whom the community is named. Railroad officials designated the stop Hutto Station. James Hutto
224-622: A U.S. Weather Bureau station in Thrall remains the national official 24-hour rainfall record. Thrall's rainfall was 23.4 in (590 mm) during 6 hours, 31.8 in (810 mm) during 12 hours, and 36.4 in (920 mm) during 18 hours. Eighty-seven people drowned in and near Taylor, and 93 in Williamson County. This storm caused the most deadly floods in Texas, with a total of 215 fatalities. On May 27, 1997, Williamson County
336-864: A bedroom community into a community where citizens can live and work in the same general vicinity. This has transformed the county over recent years into a dynamic, self-sustaining community with less dependency on Austin. Major retail and commercial developments began appearing from 1999 to present, including the Rivery in Georgetown, and the Premium Outlet Mall , the IKEA -area retail, and the La Frontera mixed-use center in Round Rock. Health care and higher education have also become major factors in
448-546: A competitive battleground. Election turnout reflects the county's tremendous growth. In 1960 , only 7,870 votes were cast, compared to 289,555 in 2020. One of the most significant growth factors of modern Williamson County is the location of a new Sun City community in Georgetown. Opened in June 1995, and originally named "Sun City Georgetown", Sun City Texas is a 5,300-acre (21-km ) age-restricted community about 10 mi (16 km) west of IH-35 on Andice Road (RR 2338). It
560-400: A foraging detachment under Frank W. Johnson at San Patricio was attacked by Urrea . Sixteen were killed and twenty-one taken prisoner, but Johnson and four others escaped. Urrea sent a company in search of James Grant and Plácido Benavides who were leading a company of Anglos and Tejanos towards an invasion of Matamoros. The Mexicans ambushed a group of Texians , killing Grant and most of
672-492: A household in the city was $ 53,295, and for a family was $ 55,769. Males had a median income of $ 33,125 versus $ 28,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 20,113. About 3.8% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 2.0% of those age 65 or over. Hutto is served by the Hutto Independent School District . Hutto
784-644: A large positive effect on the county with the opening of the Texas State University Campus in Round Rock and the Austin Community College campus. The Round Rock campus is the single largest campus in the ACC system, providing two-year degrees and training in the high-tech sector, nursing, and other specialties. The current courthouse, built in 1911, is an example of Neoclassical Revival architecture. The courthouse has had
896-648: A small force to hold Béxar. At dawn on April 7, their combined force marched into San Felipe and captured a Texian soldier, who informed Santa Anna that the Texians planned to retreat further if the Mexican army crossed the Brazos River. Unable to cross the Brazos because of the small company of Texians barricaded at the river crossing, on April 14 a frustrated Santa Anna led a force of about 700 troops to capture
1008-524: A smaller force had remained in Béxar. After receiving word that acting President Miguel Barragán had died, Santa Anna seriously considered returning to Mexico City to solidify his position. Fear that Urrea's victories would position him as a political rival convinced Santa Anna to remain in Texas to personally oversee the final phase of the campaign. He left on March 29 to join Ramírez y Sesma, leaving only
1120-873: A sovereign nation but stipulated that Santa Anna was to lobby for such recognition in Mexico City . Sam Houston became a national celebrity, and the Texans' rallying cries from events of the war, "Remember the Alamo " and "Remember Goliad ", became etched into Texan history and legend. General Antonio López de Santa Anna was a proponent of governmental federalism when he helped oust Mexican President Anastasio Bustamante in December 1832. Upon his election as president in April 1833, Santa Anna switched his political ideology and began implementing centralist policies that increased
1232-422: A speech insisting that "Mobs must not intimidate the government. We want no French Revolution in Texas!", but on June 4 soldiers seized Santa Anna and put him under military arrest. Burnet called for elections to ratify the constitution and elect a Congress, the sixth set of leaders for Texas in a twelve-month period. Voters overwhelmingly chose Houston the first president , ratified the constitution drawn up by
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#17327867278891344-650: A town site and railroad right of way. Hutto became a wealthy cattleman in Williamson County, but in 1885, he left Hutto for Waco, and entered the hardware business. Other early settlers in the area were the Carpenter, Davis, Evans, Farley, Goodwin, Highsmith, Johnson, Magle, Payne, Saul, Weight, Womack, and Wright families. Other people living in Hutto during the 1890s included the Armstrongs, the Ahlbergs, M. B. Kennedy,
1456-492: A tumultuous past, surviving three major renovations and many modifications, including the demolition of its key architectural features in 1966. With the assistance of the Texas Historical Commission and preservation-minded county citizens and officials, the courthouse was returned to its original 1911 state during a major 2006–2007 renovation, once again becoming a focal point of the county. The stars on
1568-507: A white flag on December 9 and signed surrender terms two days later. The surrender of Cos effectively removed the occupying Mexican army from Texas. Many believed the war was over, and volunteers began returning home. In compliance with orders from Santa Anna, Mexico's Minister of War José María Tornel issued his December 30 "Circular No. 5", often referred to as the Tornel Decree, aimed at dealing with United States intervention in
1680-867: Is Georgetown . The county is named for Robert McAlpin Williamson ( c. 1804 –1859), a community leader and a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto . Williamson County is part of the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metropolitan statistical area . It was included with Austin in the Best Cities to Live in for 2009 by the Milken Institute . Located in Central Texas , it is on both the Edwards Plateau to
1792-580: Is elected every four years by voters countywide. Four commissioners are elected by single-member precincts every four years. In recent decades, Williamson County has been a strongly Republican county. Before the 2018 elections, every federal and state elected official from the county was a Republican. It is in Texas Senate District 5, and is represented by State Senator Charles Schwertner (R). Williamson County includes three Texas House of Representatives Districts: 20, 52, and 136. District 20
1904-515: Is home to the Eastern Williamson County Higher Education Center, which is a partnership between Temple Junior College, Texas A&M University-Central Texas, and Texas State Technical College. Williamson County, Texas Williamson County (sometimes abbreviated as "Wilco") is a county in the U.S. state of Texas . As of the 2020 census , its population was 609,017. Its county seat
2016-712: Is land and 16 square miles (41 km ), comprising 1.4%, is water. The area is divided into two regions by the Balcones Escarpment, which runs through the center from north to south along a line from Jarrell to Georgetown to Round Rock. The county's western half is an extension of the Western Plains and considered to be within the eastern fringes of Texas Hill Country ; it has an average elevation of 850 ft (260 m). It features undulating, hilly brushland with an abundance of Texas live oak , prickly pear cactus , and karst . The county's eastern half
2128-546: Is part of the Coastal Plains and is flat to gently rolling with an average elevation of 600 ft (180 m). It has dark clay and rich, fertile soils for agriculture, but is quickly being developed as the county's population continues to increase and expand out. Williamson County is drained in the center and south by the San Gabriel River, the county's only river, and in the north by creeks that run into
2240-562: Is part of the chain of Sun City communities started by Del E. Webb Construction Company (now a division of PulteGroup ). Residency is restricted to persons over age 55 (at least one person in a couple has to be 55 or older) and the community is generally oriented toward retirees. As originally planned, the project would double the size of Georgetown's population. Sun City Texas is made up mostly of single-family dwellings, but also has duplexes. The Sun City project includes three golf courses (Legacy Hills, White Wing, and Cowan Creek). Although
2352-520: Is represented by Republican Terry Wilson , 52 by Caroline Harris, and 136 by Democrat John Bucy III . Williamson County was once a solidly Democratic county. In 1976 election , it voted for President Jimmy Carter by a higher percentage (55%) than did voters in Travis County (52%). In 1980 election , however, the county swung dramatically to support Ronald Reagan , giving him 56% of the vote, exceeding Carter's 1976 total. In subsequent years,
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#17327867278892464-403: Is still a major business in some areas of the county, and cotton is still a significant crop eastward toward Hutto and Taylor. Williamson County's largest employer was once Dell Computer in Round Rock, employing roughly 16,000 employees. Retail and health care, including St. David's Hospital, Scott & White, Seton Medical Center Williamson hospital (a level II certified trauma center), and
2576-1104: Is subjective and without set criteria. However, in Williamson County as of 2004, 11 towns had populations over 1,000 people, and seven towns had populations above 5,000. These school districts serve Williamson County: Austin Community College is the designated community college for most portions of the county. Areas in Granger, Hutto, Taylor, and Thrall ISDs are within Temple Junior College District . Areas in Florence ISD are within Central Texas College District . Areas in Lexington ISD are within Blinn Junior College District . The newspapers that serve Williamson County include
2688-416: The ayuntamiento (city council) of Béxar (now San Antonio ) urging a break-away state. In response, the Mexican government kept him imprisoned for most of 1834. Colonel Juan Almonte was appointed director of colonization in Texas, ostensibly to ease relations with the colonists and mitigate their anxieties about Austin's imprisonment. He delivered promises of self-governance and conveyed regrets that
2800-404: The 2022 in districts mostly in Williamson County. However, in the same 2020 election election, county voters reelected Republican John Cornyn to the U.S. Senate as well as Republican John Carter to the U.S. House of Representatives. Republican governor Greg Abbott won the county in 2022 by only one point, further showing that county has moved away from being safely Republican and become
2912-749: The Round Rock Leader , Williamson County Sun (Georgetown), Taylor Press , Hutto News , Hill Country News (Leander), Liberty Hill Independent , and Tribune-Progress (Bartlett). In 2005 Community Impact Newspaper was founded. The Austin American-Statesman also has significant coverage in Williamson County. 30°40′N 97°37′W / 30.66°N 97.61°W / 30.66; -97.61 Battle of San Jacinto The Battle of San Jacinto ( Spanish : Batalla de San Jacinto ), fought on April 21, 1836, in present-day La Porte and Deer Park, Texas ,
3024-600: The Tejanos in Seguín's company, Houston originally ordered Seguín and his men to remain in Harrisburgh to guard those who were too ill to travel quickly. After loud protests from Seguín and Antonio Menchaca , the order was rescinded, provided the Tejanos wear playing cards in their hats to identify them as Texian soldiers. The area along Buffalo Bayou had many thick oak groves, separated by marshes. This type of terrain
3136-597: The Tonkawa , were a flint-working, hunting people who followed the buffalo on foot and periodically set fire to the prairie to aid them in their hunts. During the 18th century, they made the transition to a horse culture and used firearms to a limited extent. After they were crowded out by white settlement, the Comanches continued to raid settlements in the county until the 1860s. Also, small numbers of Kiowa , Yojuane, Tawakoni , and Mayeye Indians apparently were living in
3248-553: The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).Interstate 35, the county's main artery, runs along the fault line dividing the two distinct regions. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is in the Texas Hill Country northwest of Austin, including parts of western Williamson County. The refuge was formed in 1992 to conserve habitat for two endangered songbirds, the golden-cheeked warbler and
3360-695: The black-capped vireo , and to preserve Texas Hill Country habitat for other wildlife species. The refuge augments a similarly named preserve in Austin, the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. The vegetation found in the Hill Country includes various oaks, elms, and Ashe juniper trees (often called "cedar" in Texas). The golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo depend on different successional stages of this vegetation, and both nest in
3472-536: The A&;M Health Science Center are among the area's largest employers. Other than Dell, retail is the second-most significant business group in the county. The new IKEA store and Premium Outlet Mall in Round Rock, as well as those in the La Frontera mixed-use project in Round Rock are significant to the county. Wolf Ranch and The Rivery are also major retail centers in Georgetown. In addition, higher education has
Hutto, Texas - Misplaced Pages Continue
3584-550: The Convention of 1836, and approved a resolution to request annexation to the United States. Houston issued an executive order sending Santa Anna to Washington, D.C. , and from there he was soon sent home. During his absence, Santa Anna had been deposed. Upon his arrival, the Mexican press wasted no time in attacking him for his cruelty towards those executed at Goliad. In May 1837, Santa Anna requested an inquiry into
3696-599: The Edwards Plateau, the warbler exclusively so. Some protected areas are open to visitors, such as the Berry Springs Park . Williamson County is home to five endangered species. Two are songbirds protected by the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve in Travis and Williamson Counties. The other three are invertebrate species found only in Williamson County, which live in the cavelike fissures on the west side of
3808-596: The Hugh Kimbro family, William McCutcheon, Green Randolph, J. B. Ross, and the Tisdales. The area attracted Swedish and German immigrants, who established farms and ranches in Hutto. Hutto's mascot comes from a local legend related to the International-Great Northern Railroad . The legend traces its roots back to 1915, when a circus train stopped at Hutto to pick up passengers and let the animals out to feed. One of their hippos ran loose towards Cottonwood Creek, causing
3920-694: The Lampasas and Little Rivers north of the county line. Williamson County's eastern portion lies within the low-lying prairie areas east of the Balcones Escarpment (also known as the Balcones Fault, though it is not an active fault ). It begins a piedmont, a foot-friendly fall line of slightly sloping land downward to the coastal area, an area of the Blackland Prairie consisting of rich, fertile, clay-containing soils, where
4032-527: The Mexican Congress deemed it constitutionally impossible for Texas to be a separate state. Behind the rhetoric, his covert mission was to identify the local power brokers, obstruct any plans for rebellion, and supply the Mexican government with data that would be of use in a military conflict. For nine months in 1834, under the guise of serving as a government liaison, Almonte traveled through Texas and compiled an all-encompassing intelligence report on
4144-504: The Mexican army went with him. When Texian troops arrived in early June, they found only 20 families remaining. The area around San Patricio and Refugio suffered a "noticeable depopulation" in the Republic of Texas years. Although the treaty had specified that Urrea and Filisola would return any slaves their armies had sheltered, Urrea refused to comply. Many former slaves followed the army to Mexico, where they could be free. By late May,
4256-551: The Mexican army's departure. That same day, Deaf Smith and Henry Karnes captured a Mexican courier carrying intelligence on the locations and future plans of all of the Mexican troops in Texas. Realizing that Santa Anna had only a small force and was not far away, Houston gave a rousing speech to his men, exhorting them to "Remember the Alamo" and "Remember Goliad". His army then raced towards Lynchburg. Out of concern that his men might not differentiate between Mexican soldiers and
4368-472: The Mexican forces, the guns fell silent; the Alamo had fallen. Survivors Susanna Dickinson , her daughter Angelina, Travis' slave Joe, and Almonte's cook Ben were spared by Santa Anna and sent to Gonzales , where Texian volunteers had been assembling. The same day that Mexican troops departed Béxar, Houston arrived in Gonzales and informed the 374 volunteers (some without weapons) gathered there that Texas
4480-461: The Mexican troops had crossed the Nueces . Filisola fully expected that the defeat was temporary and that a second campaign would be launched to retake Texas. When Mexican authorities received word of Santa Anna's defeat at San Jacinto, flags across the country were lowered to half staff and draped in mourning. Denouncing any agreements signed by a prisoner, Mexican authorities refused to recognize
4592-491: The Republic of Texas. Filisola was derided for leading the retreat and was replaced by Urrea. Within months, Urrea gathered 6,000 troops in Matamoros, poised to reconquer Texas. His army was redirected to address continued federalist rebellions in other regions. All the Mexican soldiers' bodies lay where they were killed for years or decades after the battle. Houston and Santa Anna both refused to order their soldiers to bury
Hutto, Texas - Misplaced Pages Continue
4704-517: The Rio Grande in 1839. The same year, the Mexican Congress considered a law to declare it treasonous to speak positively of Texas. In June 1843, leaders of the two nations declared an armistice. On June 1, 1836, Santa Anna boarded a ship to travel back to Mexico. For the next two days, crowds of soldiers, many of whom had arrived that week from the United States, gathered to demand his execution. Lamar, recently promoted to secretary of war, gave
4816-438: The Rio Grande and that all private property be respected and restored. Prisoners of war would be released unharmed, and Santa Anna would be given immediate passage to Veracruz. He secretly promised to persuade the Mexican Congress to acknowledge the Republic of Texas and to recognize the Rio Grande as the border between the two countries. When Urrea began marching south in mid-May, many families from San Patricio who had supported
4928-503: The Texian encampment) to block the only road out of the Brazos and, thereby, prevent any possibility of escape by Santa Anna. Houston describes how he arrayed the Texian forces in preparation of battle: "Colonel Edward Burleson was assigned the center. The second regiment, under the command of Colonel Sydney Sherman (sic), formed the left-wing of the army. The artillery, under the special command of Col. Geo. W. Hackley, inspector general,
5040-485: The ankle and badly wounded. Texian soldiers gathered around, calling for the Mexican general's immediate execution. Bargaining for his life, Santa Anna suggested that he order the remaining Mexican troops to stay away. In a letter to Filisola, who was now the senior Mexican official in Texas, Santa Anna wrote that "yesterday evening [we] had an unfortunate encounter" and ordered his troops to retreat to Béxar and await further instructions. Urrea urged Filisola to continue
5152-577: The area between the Guadalupe and Nueces rivers migrate either to east Texas or to Mexico. Some residents who refused to comply were forcibly removed. New American settlers moved in and used threats and legal maneuvering to take over the land once owned by Tejanos . Over the next several years, hundreds of Tejano families resettled in Mexico. For years, Mexican authorities used the reconquering of Texas as an excuse for implementing new taxes and making
5264-612: The army retreated, the more civilians joined the flight. For both armies and the civilians, the pace was slow; torrential rains had flooded the rivers and turned the roads into mud pits. As news of the Alamo's fall spread, volunteer ranks swelled, reaching about 1,400 men by March 19. Houston learned of Fannin's surrender on March 20 and realized his army was the last hope for an independent Texas. Concerned that his ill-trained and ill-disciplined force would be good for only one battle, and aware that his men could easily be outflanked by Urrea's forces, Houston continued to avoid engagement, to
5376-472: The army the budgetary priority of the impoverished nation. Only sporadic skirmishes resulted. Larger expeditions were postponed as military funding was consistently diverted to other rebellions, out of fear that those regions would ally with Texas and further fragment the country. The northern Mexican states, the focus of the Matamoros Expedition , briefly launched an independent Republic of
5488-513: The assault commenced, attempts at negotiation for surrender were initiated from inside the fortress. William B. Travis , the garrison commander, sent Albert Martin to request a meeting with Almonte, who replied that he did not have the authority to speak for Santa Anna. Colonel James Bowie dispatched Green B. Jameson with a letter, translated into Spanish by Juan Seguín , requesting a meeting with Santa Anna, who immediately refused. Santa Anna did, however, extend an offer of amnesty to Tejanos inside
5600-557: The authoritarian powers of his office. His abrogation of the Constitution of 1824 , correlating with his abolishing local-level authority over Mexico's state of Coahuila y Tejas (Coahuila and Texas), became a flashpoint in the growing tensions between the central government and its Tejano and Anglo citizens in Texas. While in Mexico City awaiting a meeting with Santa Anna, Texian empresario Stephen F. Austin wrote to
5712-434: The building and maintenance of county roads and bridges. Commissioners' courts are governing bodies of county government in several US states, including Texas. The principal functions of the commissioners' court are legislative and executive. Although called courts, commissioners' courts generally exercise only limited judicial powers. The commissioners' court consists of five members. The county judge presides as chairman, and
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#17327867278895824-413: The bulk of the Mexican army in Texas. An additional 4,000 troops remained under the commands of Urrea and General Vicente Filisola . Texians had won the battle because of mistakes made by Santa Anna, and Houston was well aware that his troops would have little hope of repeating their victory against Urrea or Filisola. As darkness fell, a large group of prisoners was led into camp. Houston initially mistook
5936-525: The campaign. He was confident that he could challenge the Texian troops. According to Hardin, "Santa Anna had presented Mexico with one military disaster; Filisola did not wish to risk another." Spring rains had ruined the ammunition and rendered the roads nearly impassable, with troops sinking to their knees in mud. The Mexican troops were soon out of food and began to fall ill from dysentery and other diseases. Their supply lines had broken down, leaving no hope of further reinforcements. Filisola later wrote "Had
6048-459: The city. The population density was 1,896.5 inhabitants per square mile (732.2/km). The 4,917 housing units averaged 634.5 per square mile (1,021.1/km). In 2000, of the 398 households, 52.3% had children under 18 living with them, 61.8% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.1% were not families. About 15.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.5% had someone living alone who
6160-482: The community attracts residents from all over, most come from within Texas to stay close to their original homes. Vocal opposition to the project has occurred, especially at the start during the zoning process, with arguments against the size of the community, its effect on Georgetown as a family-oriented town, concerns about the costs of providing city utilities, concern about lowered city and Williamson County property taxes, which are fixed for retirees under Texas law, and
6272-485: The company. Benavides and 4 others escaped, and 6 were taken prisoner. The Convention of 1836 met at Washington-on-the-Brazos on March 1. The following day, Sam Houston's 42nd birthday, the 59 delegates signed the Texas Declaration of Independence and chose an ad interim government. When news of the declaration reached Goliad, Benavides informed Fannin that in spite of his opposition to Santa Anna, he
6384-478: The county along streams and other water sources, including Brushy Creek in Round Rock and the San Gabriel River in Georgetown. Such evidence of Archaic-period inhabitants is often in the form of relics and flint tools recovered from burned rock middens. Many such sites were inundated when the San Gabriel River was dammed to create Lake Granger. The earliest known historical Native American occupants,
6496-425: The county at the time of the earliest Anglo settlements. On September 9 and 10, 1921, the remnants of a hurricane moved over Williamson County. The center of the storm became stationary over Thrall , a small farming town in eastern Williamson County, dropping a storm total of 39.7 in (1,010 mm) of rain in 36 hours. The 24-hour rainfall total ending 7 am on September 10, 1921 (38.2 in (970 mm)) at
6608-439: The county became increasingly Republican, following a pattern similar to those of other suburban Texas counties. In 2004 election , President George W. Bush won 68% of the vote in Williamson County. John McCain received 55% of the vote to Barack Obama 's 42% in the 2008 election . In 2012 election , Republican Mitt Romney defeated Obama, 59% to 38%. In 2016 election , Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton , 51%-41%. However,
6720-412: The county by identifying and preserving sufficiently many caves with endangered species to ensure survival of the species. These species would be preserved through voluntary donations of land rather than required setbacks, grants, and other involuntary means typically enforced on landowners without an incidental take permit. The group transferred its successful work on an environmental impact statement to
6832-586: The county in 2002 and a county-wide 10-A permit was obtained in October 2008. Property owners are able to participate in the county's 10-A permit by applying through the WCCF. As of the census of 2010, there were 422,679 people, 152,606 households, and 111,514 families resided in the county. The population density was 373 people per square mile (144 people/km ). The 162,773 housing units averaged 144 units per square mile (56 units/km ). The racial makeup of
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#17327867278896944-622: The county narrowly swung Democratic in 2020 , with Joe Biden winning a plurality over Trump, 49% to 48%. The county narrowly swung back into the Trump column for the 2024 election, thereby voting for the presidential election winner in 2016, 2020, and 2024. In recent years, Williamson County has again leaned toward the Democratic Party, with Beto O'Rourke edging out Ted Cruz in the 2018 , and James Talarico and John Bucy III both defeating Republican incumbents to win election to
7056-424: The county over $ 190 million in damages and a total of 30 fatalities. Williamson County's fast growth rate is due in large part to its location immediately north of Austin coupled with Austin's rapid expansion northward; Austin's city limits cross into Williamson County. Most of the growth has been residential, but large employers, such as Dell 's international headquarters, have also changed Williamson County from
7168-439: The county was $ 24,547. About 3.40% of families and 4.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.40% of those under age 18 and 5.90% of those age 65 or over. The Commissioners Court is the overall governing and management body of Williamson County, and is responsible for all budgetary decisions in addition to setting the tax rate each year. Among its duties is the administration of all county business, including
7280-543: The county was 80.9% White, 7.1% African American, 1.3% Native American, 5.8% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 6.9% from other races, and 3.2% from two or more races. About 23.2% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 111,514 households, 39.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.9% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.9% were not families. Around 21.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.4% had someone living alone who
7392-416: The county's growth. Two new colleges and two new hospitals have opened since 2015. Another significant factor has been the opening of the North Loop 1 and Texas State Highway 45 toll roads, which have made Williamson County more accessible to Austin. According to the United States Census Bureau , the county has an area of 1,134 sq mi (2,940 km ), of which 1,118 square miles (2,900 km )
7504-424: The county. Karst topography is the name for the honeycomb-type limestone formations (including caves, sinkholes, and fissures) typical of the county's limestone geology west of Interstate 35. In the 1990s, a group of concerned landowners, individuals, and real-estate developers formed the Northern Edwards Aquifer Resource Council with the goal of obtaining a USFWS 10-A permit (known as an incidental take permit ) for
7616-410: The dead so they lay on the property of Margaret "Peggy" McCormick who owned the land where the battle took place. Houston refused to bury the bodies because the Mexicans cremated all of the executed fallen Texan soldiers at Goliad and the Alamo and Santa Anna for some unknown reason refused to order his soldiers, now prisoners of war, to bury their fallen comrades. McCormick asked Houston in-person to bury
7728-417: The disproportionate effect of city voting. By and large, though, the community has been welcomed and accepted by the Georgetown populace. In the 2008 city elections, for example, two residents of Sun City were the only candidates for mayor of Georgetown. They also were both formerly elected city council members. Williamson County was an agrarian community for most of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Cotton
7840-491: The enemy met us under these cruel circumstances, on the only road that was left, no alternative remained but to die or surrender at discretion". For several weeks after San Jacinto, Santa Anna continued to negotiate with Houston, Rusk, and then Burnet. Santa Anna suggested two treaties, a public version of promises made between the two countries, and a private version that included Santa Anna's agreements. The Treaties of Velasco required that all Mexican troops withdraw south of
7952-434: The event. The judge determined the inquiry was only for fact-finding and took no action; press attacks in both Mexico and the United States continued. Santa Anna was disgraced until the following year when he became a hero of the Pastry War . The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960. The site includes the 570 ft (170 m) San Jacinto Monument , which
8064-509: The flag surrounding the state of Texas represent the 33 viable communities identified by Clara Stearns Scarbrough in her 1973 book, Land of Good Water . In 1970, these communities ranged in population from 20 people in Norman's Crossing to more than 10,000 residents in Taylor. Establishing how many communities exist in Williamson County today is difficult, because the determination of "community"
8176-481: The fortress. Alamo non-combatant survivor Enrique Esparza said that most Tejanos left when Bowie advised them to take the offer. Cos, in violation of his surrender terms, forded into Texas at Guerrero on February 26 to join with the main army at Béxar. Urrea proceeded to secure the Gulf Coast and was victorious in two skirmishes with Texian detachments serving under Colonel James Fannin at Goliad. On February 27
8288-496: The government in Galveston, so Santa Anna ordered Harrisburgh burned and pressed on towards Lynchburg . The Texian army had resumed their march eastward. On April 16, they came to a crossroads; one road led north towards Nacogdoches , the other went to Harrisburgh. Without orders from Houston and with no discussion amongst themselves, the troops in the lead took the road to Harrisburgh. They arrived on April 18, not long after
8400-417: The group for Mexican reinforcements and reportedly shouted out that all was lost. Santa Anna had escaped towards Vince's Bridge. Finding the bridge destroyed, he hid in the marsh and was captured the following day, wearing the uniform jacket of a private. This subterfuge was uncovered when other Mexican prisoners cried out in recognition of their commander. He was brought before Houston, who had been shot in
8512-521: The immense displeasure of his troops. By March 28, the Texian army had retreated 120 miles (190 km) across the Navidad and Colorado Rivers . Many troops deserted; those who remained grumbled that their commander was a coward. On March 31, Houston paused his men at Groce's Landing on the Brazos River . Two companies that refused to retreat further were assigned to guard the crossing. For
8624-551: The interim Texas government. Government officials fled mere hours before Mexican troops arrived in Harrisburgh (now Harrisburg, Houston ) and Santa Anna sent Almonte with 50 cavalry to intercept them in New Washington. Almonte arrived just as Burnet shoved off in a rowboat, bound for Galveston Island . Although the boat was still within range of their weapons, Almonte ordered his men to hold their fire so as not to endanger Burnet's family. At this point, Santa Anna believed
8736-430: The land is still used for agriculture, growing cotton and other crops and raising cattle. These prairie lands essentially run from Williamson County to the Gulf Coast, and have a rich heritage of being farmed by German, Polish, and other settlers. West of the escarpment is the beginning of the "upland" Texas Hill Country, characterized by rocky terrain with thin layers of soil on top of limestone . Some ranching occurs in
8848-401: The mass burial site is located. Most in Texas assumed the Mexican army would return quickly. Such a large number of American volunteers flocked to the Texian army in the months after the victory at San Jacinto that the Texian government was unable to maintain an accurate list of enlistments. Out of caution, Béxar remained under martial law throughout 1836. Rusk ordered that all Tejanos in
8960-453: The men were equally upset that Houston had not allowed a full battle. Throughout the night, Mexican troops worked to fortify their camp, creating breastworks out of everything they could find, including saddles and brush. At 9 a.m. on April 21, Cos arrived with 540 reinforcements, bringing the Mexican force to approximately 1,200–1,500 men which outnumbered the Texian aggregate forces of approximately 800 men (official count entering battle
9072-642: The most important discoveries in recent times is the ancient skeletal remains dubbed the "Leanderthal Lady" because of its age and proximity to Leander, Texas . It was discovered by accident by the Texas Department of Transportation workers while drilling core samples for a new highway. The site has been extensively studied for many years, and samples from this site carbon date to the Pleistocene period around 10,500 years ago. Prehistoric and Archaic "open occupation" campsites are also found throughout
9184-556: The next two weeks, the Texians rested, recovered from illness, and, for the first time, began practicing military drills. While there, two cannon, known as the Twin Sisters , arrived from Cincinnati, Ohio . Interim Secretary of War Thomas Rusk joined the camp, with orders from President David G. Burnet to replace Houston if he refused to fight. Houston quickly persuaded Rusk that his plans were sound. Secretary of State Samuel P. Carson advised Houston to continue retreating all
9296-405: The now rotting Mexican corpses, but Houston simply responded that she should be honored that her property is now the site of the battle that won Texan independence. Her family buried a few of the corpses but hundreds of them were never located by them. Many years later the corpses, now skulls and skeletons, were buried in a large trench on the battlefield site but nobody knows to the present day where
9408-538: The population and its environs, including an assessment of their resources and defense capabilities. In consolidating his power base, Santa Anna installed General Martín Perfecto de Cos as the governing military authority over Texas in 1835. Cos established headquarters in San Antonio on October 9, triggering what became known as the Siege of Béxar . After two months of trying to repel the Texian forces, Cos raised
9520-499: The president of Mexico, and General Martín Perfecto de Cos both escaped during the battle. Santa Anna was captured the next day on April 22 and Cos on April 24. After being held for about three weeks as a prisoner of war, Santa Anna signed the peace treaty that dictated that the Mexican army leave the region, paving the way for the Republic of Texas to become an independent country. These treaties did not necessarily recognize Texas as
9632-422: The primary center for cotton production, cotton ginning , and compressing cotton into bales to transport by rail. Other agriculture activities, farming, and dairying were also a part of rural Williamson County east of the Balcones Fault, and ranching occurred to the west in the Hill Country area. Both gradually gave way to more modern business, services, and retail as the area became more urban, but cattle ranching
9744-475: The protests of several of his officers, Santa Anna chose to make camp in a vulnerable location, a plain near the San Jacinto River , bordered by woods on one side, marsh and lake on another. The two camps were approximately 500 yards (460 m) apart, separated by a grassy area with a slight rise in the middle. Colonel Pedro Delgado later wrote that "the camping ground of His Excellency's selection
9856-405: The rebellion was in its final death throes. The Texian government had been forced off the mainland, with no way to communicate with its army, which had shown no interest in fighting. He determined to block the Texian army's retreat and put a decisive end to the war. Almonte's scouts incorrectly reported that Houston's army was going to Lynchburg Crossing on Buffalo Bayou , in preparation for joining
9968-546: The slaughter, but they were unable to gain control of the men, incensed and vengeful for the massacres at the Alamo and Goliad, while frightened Mexican infantry yelled "Me no Alamo!" and begged for mercy to no avail. In what historian Davis calls "one of the most one-sided victories in history", 650 Mexican soldiers were killed, 208 wounded, and 300 captured. Eleven Texians were killed and mortally wounded, with 30 others, including Houston, wounded. Although Santa Anna's troops had been thoroughly vanquished, they did not represent
10080-608: The tall grass to within 200 yards of the Mexican breastworks. The Texian Twin Sisters fired at 4:30, beginning the battle. After a single volley, Texians broke ranks and swarmed over the Mexican breastworks, yelling "Remember the Alamo! Remember La Bahia (Goliad)!", to engage in hand-to-hand combat. Mexican soldiers were taken by surprise. Santa Anna, Castrillón, and Almonte yelled often conflicting orders, attempting to organize their men into some form of defense. The Texian infantry forces advanced without halt until they had possession of
10192-541: The train to be delayed and other trains to be stopped. The hippo was eventually herded back onto the train. Hutto is located seven miles (11 km) east of Round Rock and 22 miles (35 km) northeast of Austin . According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 7.75 square miles (20.1 km), all land. As of the 2020 United States census , 27,577 people, 8,106 households, and 6,219 families were residing in
10304-545: The uplands, but mostly it has been the target of residential development because of the rolling terrain, vistas, hardwood trees, abundant wildlife, and rivers and streams (the same reason early Indians camped in the area). The Hill Country areas are characterized by their porous "vugular" (honeycombed) rock, where rainwater percolates down to replenish the Edwards Aquifer . For that reason, development restrictions are in place and several endangered species are protected by
10416-417: The uprising in Texas. It declared that foreigners who entered Mexico for the purpose of joining the rebellion were to be treated as "pirates", to be put to death if captured. In adding "since they are not subjects of any nation at war with the republic nor do they militate under any recognized flag," Tornel avoided declaring war on the United States. The Mexican Army of Operations numbered 6,019 soldiers and
10528-601: The way to the Sabine River , where more volunteers would likely flock from the United States and allow the army to counterattack. Unhappy with everyone involved, Burnet wrote to Houston: "The enemy are laughing you to scorn. You must fight them. You must retreat no further. The country expects you to fight. The salvation of the country depends on your doing so." Complaints within the camp became so strong that Houston posted notices that anyone attempting to usurp his position would be court-martialed and shot. Santa Anna and
10640-526: The west, rocky terrain and hills, and Texas Blackland Prairies in the east, rich, fertile farming land. The two areas are roughly bisected by Interstate 35 . Much of Williamson County has been the site of human habitation for at least 11,200 years. The earliest known inhabitants of the area lived during the late Pleistocene (Ice Age), and are linked to the Clovis culture around 9,200 BC based on evidence found at Bell County's much-studied Gault Site. One of
10752-481: The woodland and the Mexican breastwork; the right-wing of Burleson's and the left-wing of Millard's forces took possession of the breastwork. Within 18 minutes, Mexican soldiers abandoned their campsite and fled for their lives. The killing lasted for hours. Many Mexican soldiers retreated through the marsh to Peggy Lake. Texian riflemen stationed themselves on the banks and shot at anything that moved. Many Texian officers, including Houston and Rusk, attempted to stop
10864-468: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.20. In the county, the age distribution was 28.7% under 18, 11.9% from 15 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 or older. The median age was 34 years. The median income for a household in the county was $ 60,642, and for a family was $ 66,208. Males had a median income of $ 43,471 versus $ 30,558 for females. The per capita income for
10976-422: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.14 and the average family size was 3.48. In the city, the population was distributed as 35.0% under 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 37.0% from 25 to 44, 13.6% from 45 to 64, and 7.0% who were 65 or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males. The median income for
11088-582: Was born in Alabama on June 8, 1824; he came to Texas in 1847 and moved his family to Williamson County in 1855. A slave, Adam Orgain, was the first person to live in the immediate Hutto vicinity, having been placed out on the Blackland prairie by his owner to watch after the cattle and livestock holdings. In 1876, James Hutto sold 50 acres (200,000 m) to the Texas Land Company of New York for
11200-521: Was burned, and the army's only two cannon were thrown into the Guadalupe River . When Ramírez y Sesma reached Gonzales the morning of March 14, he found the buildings still smoldering. Most citizens fled on foot, many carrying their small children. A cavalry company led by Seguín and Salvador Flores were assigned as rear guard to evacuate the more isolated ranches and protect the civilians from attacks by Mexican troops or Indians. The further
11312-858: Was erected by the Public Works Administration . Authorized April 21, 1936, and dedicated April 21, 1939, the monument cost $ 1.5 million (equivalent to $ 33 million in 2023). The site hosts a San Jacinto Day festival and battle re-enactment each year in April. Both the Texas Navy and the United States Navy have commissioned ships named after the Battle of San Jacinto: the Texan schooner San Jacinto and three ships named USS San Jacinto . There has been one civilian passenger ship named SS San Jacinto . When
11424-414: Was familiar to the Texians and quite alien to the Mexican soldiers. Houston's army, comprising around 800 men, reached Lynch's Ferry mid-morning on April 20; Santa Anna's 700-man force arrived a few hours later. The Texians made camp in a wooded area along the bank of Buffalo Bayou; while the location provided good cover and helped hide their full strength, it also left the Texians no room for retreat. Over
11536-692: Was hit by the worst tornado outbreak in county history. The 1997 Central Texas tornado outbreak caused 20 tornadoes including an F-5 (the strongest rating used for tornadoes on the Fujita scale ), which remains the only F-5 to strike Williamson County. The F-5 tornado killed 27 people and completely destroyed the Double Creek Estates neighborhood in the city of Jarrell, Texas , located in far northern Williamson County. Another strong tornado, an F-3, struck Cedar Park , killing one person. Two F-2 tornadoes also struck Williamson County. The outbreak cost
11648-483: Was in all respects, against military rules. Any youngster would have done better." Over the next several hours, two brief skirmishes occurred. Using the Twin Sisters, Texians won the first, forcing a small group of dragoons and the Mexican artillery to withdraw. Mexican dragoons then forced the Texian cavalry to withdraw. In the melee, Rusk, on foot to reload his rifle, was almost captured by Mexican soldiers but
11760-443: Was now an independent republic. Just after 11 p.m. on March 13, Susanna Dickinson and Joe brought news that the Alamo garrison had been defeated and the Mexican army was marching towards Texian settlements. A hastily convened council of war voted to evacuate the area and retreat. The evacuation commenced at midnight and happened so quickly that many Texian scouts were unaware the army had moved on. Everything that could not be carried
11872-404: Was placed on the right of the first regiment, and four companies under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Millard , sustained the artillery on the right, and our cavalry, sixty-one in number and commanded by Colonel Mirabeau B. Lamar...placed on our extreme right, composed our line." The Texian cavalry was first dispatched to the Mexican forces' far left, and the artillery advanced through
11984-531: Was reported at 783). General Cos' men were mostly raw recruits rather than experienced soldiers, and they had marched steadily for more than 24 hours with no rest and no food. As the morning wore on with no Texian attack, Mexican officers lowered their guard. By afternoon, Santa Anna had permitted Cos' men to sleep; his tired troops also took advantage of the time to rest, eat, and bathe. Not long after Cos arrived with reinforcements, General Houston ordered Smith to destroy Vince's Bridge (located about 8 miles from
12096-423: Was rescued by newly arrived Texian volunteer Mirabeau B. Lamar . Over Houston's objections, many infantrymen rushed onto the field. As the Texian cavalry fell back, Lamar remained behind to rescue another Texian who had been thrown from his horse; Mexican officers "reportedly applauded" his bravery. Houston was irate that the infantry had disobeyed his orders and given Santa Anna a better estimate of their strength;
12208-592: Was spread out over 300 miles (480 km) on its march to Béxar. General Joaquín Ramírez y Sesma was put in command of the Vanguard of the Advance that crossed into Texas. Santa Anna and his aide-de-camp Almonte forded the Rio Grande at Guerrero, Coahuila on February 16, 1836, with General José de Urrea and 500 more troops following the next day at Matamoros . Béxar was captured on February 23, and when
12320-413: Was still loyal to Mexico and did not wish to help Texas break away. Fannin discharged him from his duties and sent him home. On March 4, Houston's military authority was expanded to include "the land forces of the Texian army both Regular, Volunteer, and Militia." At 5 a.m. on March 6, the Mexican troops launched their final assault on the Alamo . After a vicious 90 minute battle, with immense losses to
12432-554: Was the dominant crop in the area between the 1880s and the 1920s, and Williamson County was the top producer of cotton in Texas. Primarily to transport bales of cotton, the county was served by two national railroads, the International-Great Northern Railroad , which eventually merged into the Missouri Pacific, and the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad . The town of Taylor in eastern Williamson County became
12544-705: Was the final and decisive battle of the Texas Revolution . Led by General Samuel Houston , the Texan Army engaged and defeated General Antonio López de Santa Anna 's Mexican army in a fight that lasted just 18 minutes. A detailed, first-hand account of the battle was written by General Houston from the headquarters of the Texan Army in San Jacinto on April 25, 1836. Numerous secondary analyses and interpretations have followed. General Santa Anna,
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