Published in the La Vernia News on September 24, 2015
Stone Marker gives Round Rock its Name
Have you ever wondered how towns and cities got their names. Many are named for famous people, some even for saints, but others cause you ponder - Round Rock for instance. It is rather simple.
The first people to live in this area dates back to 9,200 BC during the ice age. In Leander, just 4 miles west of Round Rock, workers drilling core samples of a new highway discovered the skeletal remains now known as the “Leanderthal Lady”.
Much later came the Tonkawas who hunted buffalo. They were joined by the Kiowa, Comanches, and numerous other smaller tribes. In the early 19th century they were pushed out of this area by settlers. In 1851, a group of these settlers gathered along Brushy Creek at a low water point where wagons, horses and cattle could safely cross. A natural marker for this crossing was a large anvil shaped, table rock in the water. The group named their new town Brushy, but in 1854 the town was renamed Round Rock in honor of the big round rock in the creek.
Everyday Journeys
Harry and Linda Kaye Perez
This rock also was a marker for Jesse Chisholm, who moved cattle from South Texas to Abilene, Kansas, better known today as the Chisholm Trail. In 1878, the downtown area witnessed an historic gunfight between a Texas Ranger division and the 19th century American train robber, Sam Bass. This shootout is re-created each year at the July 4th Frontier Days Celebration in Old Settlers Park. Bass is buried in Round Rock Cemetery.
In 2008, it was named seventh-best American Small City and in 2009 it was listed as the second-fastest growing city in the country. It is home to the international headquarters of Dell Computers, has an Ikea Store and the newly open Premium Outlets of Round Rock. Today, Round Rock has a population of over 110,000.
MAIN STREET
One thing that can’t be missed is a stroll along Main Street in downtown Round Rock. It is a quaint, eclectic collection of restaurants, boutiques and pubs. At Fire in the Hole Stone Pizza and Brew we got some of the best pizza we ever had. If you’re in the mood for a steak or seafood, you might try the Main Street Grill. It has a relaxing atmosphere, is a bit less crowded than some of the pubs, but is a little pricey. It is said that Main Street Grill has the best Key Lime pie. If its burgers you crave, Junior’s Grill and Ice House is the place. Most evenings, live music can be heard both inside and on the patio.
DELL DIAMOND
The Dell Diamond is home to the Round Rock Express, a minor league baseball team. It is a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex, hosting not only baseball games, but also concerts, festivals, and it even has a swimming pool and spa party area, picnic area and playscape, all available for rent.
OLD SETTLERS PARK
This 645-acre park is a well-known sports destination for youth and amateur sports leagues that includes 20 baseball fields, 12 lighted tennis courts, 7 soccer facilities, 5 softball fields, 2 lighted football fields a cricket field, and a 18-hole disc golf course. There are also 40 picnic areas with barbeque grills and 3 miles of paved trail. There is also a fishing lake stocked with bass, catfish and perch.
Even though considered by many as a bedroom city to neighboring Austin, Round Rock can hold its own in almost every respect, and greatly adds to the overall attraction for the area. The I35 Corridor continues to grow and provide value to all of South Central Texas.
