Nestled between the cool, clear waters of the twin forks of the San Gabriel Rivers and the gently rolling Texas Hill Country, you'll find the charming Texas Main Street City of Georgetown. In 1997, it was granted the Great American Main Street Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
With over 80 state historical markers and sites, a skiing and fishing lake, beautiful parks and golf courses, unique shopping and fine dining, Georgetown is a destination you'll always remember. Accommodations range from comfortable motor courts to wonderful Bed-and-Breakfast type lodgings that offer gourmet cooking, flower gardens and personalized service from friendly innkeepers.
Located on the historic Chisholm Trail, Georgetown was home to roving bands of Tonkawa Indians who made the area now known as San Gabriel Park one of their favorite campsites. San Gabriel Park had become a popular meeting ground for settlers when Sam Houston spoke there in 1859 and later became known as 'The Fairground.' Annual fairs, reunions and revivals drew crowds from areas all around Georgetown.
George W. Glasscock Sr. purchased the land while speculating for Thomas B. Huling and Company. George Glasscock Jr.'s widow sold the site to I. M. Williams in 1912, and nine years later a devastating flood swept away the fairgrounds. The City of Georgetown bought the site from the Williams family and named it San Gabriel Park in 1933, making improvements in the 1930s and 40s that remain to this day.
A river wall, a low water crossing, a large public building and restrooms erected with funding and labor from the Federal Works Progress Administration can still be found along the eight miles of hike and bike trails that connect San Gabriel Park to Lake George town.
The Williamson County seat, Georgetown was also home to Jesse Daniel Ames, the first president of the Texas League of Women Voters in 1919. She was ten years old when her family moved to Georgetown in the early 1890s. At the young age of 13, she entered Southwestern University and graduated in 1902. Her former home is located a few blocks from the historic downtown square.
The Jesse Daniel Ames Lecture Series offered by Southwestern University every year provides one of many opportunities to hear outstanding speakers of great renown. Southwestern University is Texas' oldest chartered institution of higher learning, and one of the most beautiful campuses in the state. Gothic style buildings and rich architecture on a manicured campus are worth seeing and make an ideal subject for photographers.
Other cultural attractions in Georgetown include the Williamson County Historical Museum and the Palace Theatre. The recently renovated art deco theatre, built in 1925, is home to theatrical productions and live performances. Also recently renovated, the Farmers State Bank Building is the site of the Williamson County Historical Museum and offers a look into the past for those interested in history.
In addition to the square, Georgetown is home to other National Register Historic Districts. Other popular attractions in Georgetown include Inner Space Cavern and the Candle Factory. Blue Hole, a popular swimming hole, provides a restful spot to picnic, as does Lake Georgetown, just five minutes west of town.
There are lively festivals and events throughout the year, including the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival's Sunday Fair, Red Poppy Festival, Festival of the Arts, 4th of July in San Gabriel Park, Up the Chisholm Trail and the Christmas Stroll.
Georgetown is located just 26 miles north of Austin on IH-35... Come see us!
