Georgetown, Texas History History - est. 1848

Population: 36,462 (2004)

View of the city from Austin Street and 11th Street, 1886. The water tower was used by the local fire department and the fourth county courthouse is visible on the horizon. Georgetown, the county seat for Williamson County. Many businesses, Southwestern University, and the railroad have contributed to Georgetown’s growth. Georgetown was home to Jessie Daniel Ames, state president of the League of Women Voters and anti-lynching advocate.

Courtesy of Georgetown Heritage Society

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A special thanks to the Georgetown Heritage Society now known as "Preservation Georgetown" for letting us use these videos.

The city of Georgetown is named after

A story relayed to historians - Washington Anderson, tells of Georgetown’s beginnings. Anderson and the four other men assigned the task of locating a county seat were enjoying a brief respite under a large oak tree, when Anderson’s cousin and prodigious landowner, George Washington Glasscock, Sr., (view photo) rode upon his mule. Sensing a quick solution to their task, Anderson spoke up, “George, if you’ll give us all the land between here and the San Gabriel River, we’ll make this the county seat and name the town after you.”

His cousin agreed, promptly donating 173 acres, with his partner Thomas B. Huling. Georgetown Texas is the county seat of Williamson County which was formed on March the 13th in the year of 1848. After the early settlers petitioned the State Legislature to create it out of Milam County. But for Three-Legged Willie the county could have been named "San Gabriel" county. It was finally named after Robert M. Williamson aka Three-Legged Willie a Texas statesmen and judge at the time.

The 5th and last Williamson County Courthouse was built in 1910-1911 at a cost of $120,000. Renovations were done in 1965 that changed much of the appearance.

Richard E. Talbot, born in Cambrigde, NY, 17 June 1816, of Irish immigrant parents. He came to Texas with his wife and children in 1850's to join brothers Elias and Joseph Talbot. Richard

Kimbro and Friends in Front of Blacksmith Shop. Georgetown, Texas ca 1890's

Knight's Spring & Gant's Mill Photos

J.W. Fielder Family, ca 1888, standing: Laura-daughter, Martha Jane Townsley-sister in law, Susan Alice-wife, front Ollie, Earl, J.W. Fielder, Claude, Walter, and Collier. J.W Fielder, in 1873, married Susan Alice Townsey. Listed in 1880 Williamson County Census. 1885-bought 150 acres on San Gabriel River about 5 miles SE of Georgetown.

Adm. Mann Portrait

Georgetown fireman including Lonnie Watkins, in about 1919. l-r: Mr Mood, George Klohey, Jeff Gordan, driver R.D. Bole Davis [Firechief], Pat Goodlet, Sid Peerl [standing], M. Wilcox. Mr. Davis and his wife lived upstairs with a sliding pole in their apartment.

Georgetown Fire Dept. & R.O. "Bob" Davis, who later became Fire Chief, 2nd from left in truck.

Baby Shower for Lenen Howland, who is expecting Lu Ann Howland, ca. Jan. 1953

Star Grocery Store, north side of square, Georgetown, Texas ca. 1920's - Owners Joe Munson and Tom Lundblad, behind counter

Central Barber Shop

Leo Darby with delivery Model T while working for San Antonio Light Newspaper, ca. 1932

Williamson County Livestock Show, Victor Kokel buys Carl Holmstom's Blue Ribbon Lamb, ca.1965. Victor Kokel was President of the Williamson County Farm Bureau

The original St. Johns United Methodist Church and cemetery of Georgetown in 1900. The congregation moved to 311 E. University Ave in Georgetown

St. John's Swedish Methodist Church's nine early preachers, Georgetown, Texas

Football Team, Carver High School, Georgetown, Texas, ca. 1962

Football Team

1963 Graduation Georgetown School of Vocational Nursing, ca. 1963, Georgetown, Texas, l-r: Dr. Douglas Benold, Sipirina Richate, Katherine Kelley, Dr. James Shepard, Jovita Richarte, Dr. H.R. Gady, Jr.

Andrew Prikryl & Mary Zrubek's Wedding Photo. Ceremony was at Courthouse, Georgetown, Texas, March 6, 1886

Anna Louise Trowbridge Talbot, wife of R.E. Talbot, lived between Circlleville and Jonah, Texas. Came to the area in 1853. Brother of Joseph Talbot of Taylor, Texas and brother of Elias Talbot, merchant in Georgetown, Texas. Was friend of Sam Houston, ca.1854

Bell Cotton Gin, located SE of Georgetown

L.N. "Lonnie" Watkins "Nook Confectionery", South Side of Square, next to Burkhart's Newstand, Georgetown, Texas, ca. 1920.

Karen Thompson at Harper-Chessher House

Public Square, Georgetown, Texas

Georgetown Square

Marshall Carver High School Plaque