Texas Cities

Region: Hill Country

Settled 1853 by pioneer stockmen who had to fortify homes against attacks and raids. Named Blanco (Spanish word meaning white) for the Blanco River. Centerpiece of town square is the Old Blanco County Courthouse, a fine example of Second Empire-style architecture. Town was Blanco County seat from 1858 to 1891, then the county seat moved to centrally located Johnson City. Now, a popular tourist and resort area of Hill Country, it is surrounded by numerous working lavender farms, bed & breakfasts and two locally owned motels. Town square joined to state park by two-block City Park, with nature trail featuring xeriscape garden. Sunny climate attracts campers, anglers and hunters. Hill Country streams offer game fish; hunters take white-tailed deer, wild turkey, quail and dove during seasons.

Antique stores, art galleries, Market Days, restaurants and artisans occupy historic buildings around old courthouse. The courthouse and 37 other buildings on or near the square are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.