Historical Markers in
Lampasas County, Texas

A. J. Northington House Adamsville Atherton School Battle Branch Birthplace of Stanley Walker C.C. Abney House C.S.A. Salt Works Centenary College and St. Dominic's Villa Central Christian Church of Lampasas Chadwick's Mill Clear Creek Baptist Church Cook Cemetery First Baptist Church (Lampasas) First Baptist Church of Lampasas First Presbyterian Church First Public School in Lampasas First State Meeting of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas First United Methodist Church of Lampasas Flood, The 1957 Garrison Greenwood Gunfight at the Lampasas Saloon Hancock Springs Hancock Springs Bathhouse Hanna Springs Hanna Springs Hart House Horrell-Higgins Feud Hostess House Hughes' Springs Huling Cottage J. A. Adkins House James Jackson Beeman James S. Gillett John Patterson House Junior High School Kempner Keystone Hotel Lampasas Colored School Lampasas County Lampasas County Courthouse Lampasas County Courthouse Site Lampasas County Jail Lampasas County Museum Lampasas County, C.S.A. Lampasas Public Library Lampasas Volunteer Fire Department Lee Straley House Little Hotel Lometa Long Cove Baptist Church Long Meadows Cemetery Malone-Manuel House Manuel Hardware Building Matt and Rebecca Smith House McAnelly Settlement Moline School Site Moses Hughes Home, 1856 Nix Oak Hill Cemetery Old Cook Home, 1861 Old Huling Mansion Operation Long Horn Phantom Hill Road Philip Smith House Phillips and Trosper Buildings Pierian Club Pleasant Valley Farmers' Alliance No. 1 Richard S. Stokes Saint Mary's Catholic Church Saint Mary's Episcopal Church Santa Fe Depot, 1904 Scholten Railroad School Creek Baptist Church Senterfitt Cemetery Shade Denson House Site of Abney Plunge Site of Lometa Reservoir Site of Old Opera House Site of Old Town of Senterfitt Site of Park Hotel Stanley Chapel Cemetery Summerville Home Texas Bankers Association Thomas Pratt Townsen Cemetery Townsen's Mill Trosper Building United Presbyterian Church of Adamsville W. N. Huling Home, 1877 W. R. Hughes Home Walter P. Acker William Thomas Campbell Witcher House
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Lampasas County, located in central Texas, has a rich history that predates the arrival of European settlers. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Lipan Apache and Comanche. In the 1830s, as Anglo-American settlers began to move into Texas, conflicts with these tribes escalated.

In 1852, Lampasas County was officially established, named after the Lampasas River that runs through the area. The county quickly became a prominent agricultural region, with cotton being the primary crop. The arrival of the Texas and Land Company railroad in 1882 further stimulated the local economy, as it facilitated trade and transportation in the area.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lampasas County also experienced economic growth due to the discovery of mineral resources. Manganese and zinc mining industries played a significant role in the county's development. Additionally, the city of Lampasas became a popular health resort destination, thanks to the therapeutic value of the local natural springs.

Throughout the years, Lampasas County has faced its fair share of challenges. The region went through difficult times during the Great Depression, with the decline of the agricultural industry. However, the county managed to bounce back and diversify its economy, embracing tourism and other industries. Today, Lampasas County remains a vibrant community with a blend of historical charm and modern development.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Lampasas County, Texas.

  • 1854 - Lampasas County is founded and named after the Lampasas River.
  • 1872 - The town of Lampasas becomes the county seat.
  • 1882 - The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway is completed through the county.
  • 1885 - The first oil well in central Texas is drilled in Lampasas County.
  • 1922 - The Hancock Springs Hotel, a popular health resort, is built.
  • 1949 - The Fort Hood military reservation is established, impacting the county's economy.
  • 1960s - The construction of the Highland Lakes dams brings tourism and recreation to the area.
  • 1990s - The county experiences population growth and increased development.