Historical Markers in
Llano County, Texas

Acme Dry Goods Building Antlers Hotel Baby Head Cemetery Badu House Bluffton Cemetery Board Branch Cemetery Bruhl's Drugstore, Former Site of C.S.A. Salt Works Cassaday Grey Granite Company Office Building Castell Castell School Charles Haynes Chew Cemetery Community of Valley Spring Dillard Cooper Early Explorers in Llano County Edna J. Moore Seaholm House Enchanted Rock First Christian Church of Llano First Known Religious Services Fisher - Miller Grant Ford Street Commercial Row Frank Teich German Settlements Grace Episcopal Church Granite Industry in Llano County Homesite of Emil Kriewitz Huffman Cemetery Isaac Byler Maxwell Lake Lyndon B. Johnson Lantex Theater Lappe House Llano City Cemetery Llano County Llano County Courthouse Llano County Granite Industry Llano County Jail Llano Woman's Culture Club Lone Grove School Matthew Mark Moss O'Henry School Building Old Southern Hotel Building Old Southern Hotel Building Oxford Cemetery Packsaddle Mountain Packsaddle Mountain Richmond Alexander McInnis Robert F. Rowntree House Salem Cemetery Site of Prairie Mountain School Six Mile Cemetery Six Mile School St. James Lutheran Church St. John Lutheran Church St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery Tow Cemetery Trinity Methodist Church Trinity United Methodist Church Cemetery Valley Spring Cemetery Valley Springs Primitive Baptist Church Watkins House
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
Texas random facts
Llano County, TX is located in the central part of the state, and its history dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally home to various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Comanche peoples. In the early 1830s, European settlers began to establish settlements along the Llano River, attracted by its fertile land and abundant wildlife.

The county was officially founded in 1856, and its name was derived from the Spanish word "llano," meaning plain or flat land. Llano quickly became a center for ranching and farming, with early settlers raising cattle, sheep, and crops such as cotton and corn. The county's population grew steadily over the next few decades, and by the late 1800s, it had become an important hub of commerce and trade in the region.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Llano County experienced several boom and bust cycles, largely tied to the mining industry. The discovery of granite and other minerals in the area led to a period of economic prosperity, with numerous quarrying and mining operations throughout the county. However, these industries eventually declined, leading to a downturn in the local economy.

In recent years, Llano County has focused on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism. The region's natural beauty, including the picturesque Llano River and stunning granite formations, has attracted visitors from across the state and beyond. Today, Llano County is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, unique historical sites, and vibrant arts and culture scene.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Llano County, Texas.

  • 1852 - Llano County is established by the Texas Legislature.
  • 1856 - The county's first permanent settlement, Baby Head, is founded.
  • 1860 - Llano becomes the county seat.
  • 1873 - The county courthouse is built.
  • 1892 - The Llano News, the county's first newspaper, is established.
  • 1935 - Enchanted Rock, a massive granite dome, becomes a state park.
  • 1965 - Llano County Historical Survey Committee is organized.
  • 1993 - The Bluebonnet Trail Scenic Highway is designated.
  • 2002 - The Llano River is designated as a Texas state scenic river.