The Heart Of the Hill Country

Blanco
The Heart
Of the
Hill Country
BLANCO, TEXAS
Blanco is on U.S. Highway 281, twelve miles south of Johnson City in south central Blanco County. In 1853 pioneer
stockmen built cabins along the Blanco River near the present site of the town and prepared to defend themselves
against Indian attack. In 1854 the operators of the Pittsburgh Land Company, including Gen. John D. Pitts, A. M. Lindsey,
F. W. Chandler, William E. Jones, and Capt. James H. Callahan, purchased the league granted to Horace Eggleston by the
government of Coahuila and Texas in 1835. They laid out the town of Pittsburgh, named for General Pitts, across the
river from the site of future Blanco. That same year a Methodist church was organized by circuit rider Daniel Rawls. The
congregation met in a log cabin built to withstand Indian raids, which also served as a school. The Twin Sisters Masonic
Lodge, organized at Curry's Creek perhaps as early as 1856, moved to Pittsburgh around 1857.
When Blanco County was organized in 1858, an election located the county seat across the river from Pittsburgh, and
named the town-site Blanco for the Blanco River. The Pittsburgh Land Company gave the new town 120 acres of land. In
1858 a post office was established. Mail service was temporarily discontinued with the beginning of the Civil War, but
the citizens raised money to bring mail once a week from New Braunfels in order to receive the war news. The first
Baptist church was organized in 1859. In 1860 the first courthouse was built on the public square by A. V. Gates for
about $600.
In spite of hardships suffered during the Civil War, the town continued to grow and by 1870 had four stores, a hotel, and
a gin. The old union church, built in 1871 at a cost of $1,300, remained for many years the center of town life. It was
used as a church by different denominations, as a schoolhouse, and as a community meeting place. In 1874 the Masons
drew up a charter for Blanco Masonic University. A foundation was laid, but building was discontinued because of a lack
of funds. A new courthouse of native stone was built in 1875 by Frederick E. and Oscar Ruffini, qqv architects. In 1876 a
fire destroyed the Masonic lodge, the old courthouse, and all of the county records.
In 1884 the citizens of Blanco formed a joint stock company to raise the capital necessary to establish a high school.
They elected a board of directors and a president and applied for a charter for Blanco High School under the Private
Corporations Act. A two-story building was built on the foundation of the Masonic university. It opened in October 1884,
and the first class graduated in 1887. In 1890 Johnson City won a county seat election, and Blanco lost its position as
county seat; the courthouse records were moved to Johnson City in 1891. The two towns engage in good natured rivalry
that began when the records were moved.
Blanco has primarily been a ranch and farm trade center. It had a population of 469 in 1904 and 1,100 by 1939, when
the town was incorporated. By 1946 the town had forty businesses, a hospital, and a weekly newspaper, the Blanco
County News. The population dropped in the 1940s to 453 before increasing again in the 1950s. In 1980 the census
reported 1,179 residents in Blanco. There were forty-six businesses. In 1990 the population was 1,238, and in 2000 it
grew to 1,505.
BIBLIOGRAPHY: Austin American-Statesman, November 14, 1993. Kathleen E. and Clifton R. St. Clair, eds., Little Towns
of Texas (Jacksonville, Texas: Jayroe Graphic Arts, 1982). John W. Speer, A History of Blanco County (Austin: Pemberton,
1965). Bessie Brigham
Citation
The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this article. Bessie Brigham, "BLANCO, TX," Handbook of Texas
Online (http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hjb07), accessed February 21, 2013. Published by the Texas State Historical Association
Explore our Heritage
OLD BLANCO COUNTY COURTHOUSE
Blanco’s Grand Old Lady built in 1885 is a must see during your visit to Blanco.
The Old Blanco County Courthouse hosts local merchants and vendors at the
Blanco Market Days once a month.
300 Main Street, Blanco 830-833-2211
www.historicblanco.org
BLANCO PIONEER MUSEUM
Just off the Courthouse Square stands our Blanco Pioneer Museum.
Come experience the wonderful genealogical and historical exhibits and events.
Group reservations are available.
418 Pecan Street, Blanco 830-833-5774
www.blancopioneer.org
BUGGY BARN MUSEUM
Come visit the “famous” Buggy Barn Museum where movies
like True Grit, There Will Be Blood and others have featured their
various buggies and horses. Call for an unforgettable ride to one of Blanco’s favorite attractions.
1915 Hwy 281 N, Blanco
830-833-5708
www.buggybarnmuseum.com
TWIN SISTERS DANCE HALL
Public dance first Saturday of every month
6720 Hwy 281, Blanco ~ 830-833-5773
www.twinsistersdancehall.com
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SQUARE
The Courthouse Visitor Center, Chamber of Commerce, Shopping & Dining—all on the Square!
Enjoy our Environment
BLANCO STATE PARK
101 Park Road 23
Blanco TX 78606 ~ 830-833-4333
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/blanco
BINDSEIL PARK
Home to the 2nd Largest Oak Tree in the County
300 Pecan Street, Blanco
830-833-4525 (City Hall)
VAALER CREEK GOLF CLUB
228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco ~ 830-833-0706
www.vaalercreekgolfclub.com
REAL ALE BREWING
Visit the Blanco’s Real Ale Brewing, where hand crafted ales are brewed locally.
Real Ale Brewing Company has been brewing ales in Blanco since 1998 and
is ranked in the Top 50 National Brewing Companies for their quality ales.
Private tours by appointment. Real Ale is available only in Texas.
Tap Room is open to the public Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 11 am to 5 pm.
Tours available on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
231 San Saba Ct, Blanco ~ 830-833-2534
www.realalebrewing.com
YETT MEMORIAL PARK
1813 US HWY 281, Blanco ~ 830-833-5101
Home to Blanco Little League, Blanco Youth Soccer Association, and the Blanco Rodeo Association.
Children’s play scape is open to the public during daylight hours.
www.blancochamber.com/Yett-Memorial-Park
LYNDON B. JOHNSON NATIONAL
HISTORICAL PARK
100 Ladybird Ln, Johnson City 830-868-7128
www.nps.gov/lyjo/index.html
LYNDON B. JOHNSON STATE PARK & HISTORIC SITE
199 Park Road 52, Stonewall, TX ~ 830-644-2252
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/lyndon-b-johnson
ARC DE TEJAS WINE & VIEWS
"Arc de Texas Wine & Views" is a wine tasting bar that provides a fantastic opportunity to try
wine and beer while enjoying world class hill country views.
www.arcdetejas.com
Learn Something New…...
GEM OF THE HILLS COMMUNITY CENTER
2233 US Hwy. 281 N, Blanco ~ 830-833-2713
Full schedule of drop-in classes for exercise and fitness. Fully furnished gym by membership.
www.gemofthehills.org
ONION CREEK KITCHENS AT JUNIPER HILLS FARM
5818 Ranch Road 165, Dripping Springs ~ 830-833-0910
Culinary classes and special events. View their web-site for schedule.
www.juniperhillsfarm.com
UPTON BLANCO ART CENTER
317 Main Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-1579
Ongoing art classes in all mediums for adults and youth.
www.uptownblanco.com/art_center.html
UPTOWN BLANCO TEXTILE STUDIO
317 Main Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-1579
Ongoing quilting and craft events.
www.uptownblanco.com/textile_studio.html
Expand Your Experience
EXOTIC RESORT ZOO
235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City ~ 830-868-4357
Hours: 7 Days 9-6, last tour at 5:00
www.zooexotics.com
GARRISON BROTHERS DISTILLERY
1827 Hye Albert Rd., Hye, Texas 830-392-0246
Hours: Wed-Sun Tours 10-2, 2-4
www.garrisonbros.com
WIMBERLEY ZIPLINE ADVENTURES
300 Lange Rd, Wimberley
Res Tours 9-3, office 8-5
512-847-9990
www.wimberleyzipline.com
PECAN STREET BREWING
106 E. Pecan Street, Johnson City ~830-868-2500
Tues-Thur 11-9, Fri & Sat 8-10, Sun 8-9 Mon closed
www.pecanstreetbrewing.com
Do a little shopping….
BRIEGER POTTERY
409 4th Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-2860
www.briegerpottery.com
BLANCO FLORAL & GIFT SHOP
207 Main Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-5498
BLANCO GOOD SAMARITAN
620 Pecan Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-5269
www.blancogoodsam.org
BLANCO PHARMACY & WELLNESS
316 Pecan Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-4815
www.stricklanddrugs.com
BLANCO SETTLEMENT GIFT SHOP
1705 Ranch Road 165, Blanco ~ 830-833-5115
www.blancosettlement.com
CRANBERRY’S ANTIQUES
405 3rd Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-5596
www.cranberrys.com
LIZ ON THE SQUARE
405A 3rd St, Blanco ~ 830-833-0405
www.lizonthesquare.com
RAINBIRD RUSTIC FURNITURE ART
AND ANTIQUE GALLERY
103 Main St., Blanco ~ 830-833-5900
www.rainbirdgalleryonline.com
THE VINTAGE COTTAGE BOUTIQUE
508 4th Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-4709
THREE PEAS IN A POD RESALE
818 Main Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-4363
THE TREASURE BOX ANTIQUES
1698 US Highway 281 S., Blanco ~ 830-833-5103
UPTOWN BLANCO TEXTILE STUDIO
317 Main Street, Blanco, 830-833-1579
www.uptownblanco.com/textile_studio
Sample the local cuisine….
ANTOJITO’S MI MEXICO
115 Main Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-5813
BLANCO BOWLING CLUB & CAFE
310 4th Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-4416
www.blancobowlingclub.com
BLANCO RIVER PIZZA COMPANY
306 Pecan Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-3221
CHESS CLUB CAFÉ
1020 S US Hwy 281, Blanco ~ 830-833-4930
DOT’S TRIPLE B TAVERN
621 Chandler Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-3012
HACIENDA EL CHARRO
49 Main Street #B, Blanco ~ 830-833-0507
JOSIE’S KITCHEN
1721 S. US Hwy. 281, Blanco ~ 830-833-3232
OAK CREEK CAFÉ
419 3rd Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-3063
OLD 300 BBQ
318 4th Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-1227
www.old300bbq.com
REDBUD CAFÉ
410 ½ 4th St, Blanco ~ 830-833-0202
www.redbud-café.com
Get something quick…..
BEAN & BISCUIT COFFEE SHOP AND BAKERY
310 Pecan Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-3129
Gluten Free Options on Pastries -Soups and Sandwiches
BLANCO DONUTS
307 4th Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-5830
BLANCO HOUSE CAFÉ & GIFT SHOP
1005 4th Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-3189
CHICKEN EXPRESS
1138 S US Highway 281 ~ 830-833-3229
CJ’S FOOD PLAZA
59 Main Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-4712
DAIRY QUEEN
Main & 2nd Streets, Blanco ~ 830-833-4230
SONIC
1022 S Hwy 281 830-833-4600
SUBWAY
1202 Main Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-2525
STRIPES
1138 Hwy. 281 S, Blanco ~ 830-833-5874
24 hour/ATM/Redbox
THE KOFFEE KOOP
1213 Main Street, Suite C, Blanco ~ 254-979-4411
Tourists’ Conveniences…
BLANCO LIBRARY
1118 Main Street 830-833-4280
Mon, Wed, Fri 10-6, Tues 12-8, Sat 10-4, Closed Sun
HILL COUNTRY LIQUOR
806 Main Street, Blanco ~ 830-833-4913
LOWE’S MARKET
111 Blanco Avenue, Blanco ~ 830-833-4521
RV SERVICE OF TEXAS
163 Oak Park Ln, Spring Branch 830-388-0288
SEARS HOMETOWN STORE
111A Blanco Ave, Blanco 830-833-5748
BLANCO RIVERSIDE BAR
18 Main St., Blanco 830-833-0208
www.blancoriversidebar.com
Stay Awhile……..
7TH STREET GUEST HOUSE
519 7TH Street, Blanco 830-833-4229, 830-385-9255
www.7thstreetguesthouse.com
BECKMAN LANE GUESTHOUSE
344 Beckman Ln, Blanco ~ 830-833-5465, 512-644-8424
www.beckmanlaneguesthouse.com
BEST WESTERN PLUS—BLANCO LUXURY INN & SUITES
2218 Hwy 281 N, Blanco 830-833-5697
www.blancoluxurysuites.com
BLANCO COUNTY INN
902 Main Street, Blanco 830-833-4502
www.blancocountyinn.com
BLANCO HAUS
301 4th Street, Blanco ~ 512-847-7460
www.hillcountrypremier.com/lodging/properties/blanco-haus/
BLANCO RIVERSIDE COTTAGES & RV
20 Main St, Blanco 830-330-4324
www.blancoriversidegetaway.com
BLANCO SETTLEMENT
1705 Ranch Road 165, Blanco 830-833-5115
www.blancosettlement.com
BLANCO SWISS LODGE MOTEL
1206 Main St, Blanco 830-833-5528
www.theswisslodge.com
BLUE COTTAGE INN
20 Mesquite Street, Blanco ~ 210-414-3304
www.bluecottageinn.com
CAMP TEJAS TRAILS
349 Crabapple Road, Blanco ~ 830-833-4806
www.camptejastrails.com
DEER ACRES BED & BREAKFAST
1309 Country Lane, Blanco ~ 512-431-6906
www.airbnb.com/rooms/6538081
LIGHTHOUSE HILL RANCH
787 Mountain Top Road, Johnson City TX 78636 ~ 512-587-9656
www.lighthousehillranch.com
ONION CREEK KITCHENS AT JUNIPER HILLS
5818 Ranch Rd 165, Dripping Springs ~ 830-833-0910
www.juniperhillsfarm.com
TWO DAM GUEST COTTAGES
240 Waters Edge, Blanco ~ 830-798-7954
www.twodam.com
RIVERVIEW BED & BREAKFAST OF BLANCO
52 Pecan St, Blanco ~ 512-968-8989
www.vrbo.com/332030
THE WAVE GUESTHOUSE
108 Pecan Street, Blanco ~ 512-468-6732
www.airbnb.com/rooms/3667787
MILLER CREEK RV RESORT
5618 US Hwy 281 S., Johnson City
(Between Blanco & Johnson City) 830-868-2655
www.millercreekrvresort.com
Mark your calendar for the
www.blancolavederfest.com
Annual Event
2nd Weekend
in June
Imagine Lavender Farm at Rocking L Ranch is a unique lavender farm located in the Hill Country between
Blanco "Lavender Capital of Texas" and Johnson City. The lavender farm is nestled inside the Logue Family
Ranch. Bring a friend, pack a lunch & enjoy a day in our lavender fields of allure. Products produced by
Imagine Lavender Farm are natural, plant based and handmade with care especially for you.
Tours by appointment only.
7048 N US 281, Blanco 830-833-1166
www.imaginelavender.com
Hill Country Lavender is Blanco’s original commercial lavender famr. Owner Tasha Brieger has been involved
with the farm since 1999 when the first lavender sprig was planted. Hill Country Lavender has many products
to choose from, including a variety of soaps, lotions, and sprays as well as a full line of culinary items. Products
are hand made at the farm and by local artisans and are available year-round at Brieger Pottery on the Blanco
Square. The farm, located north of Blanco on Highway 281, offers lavender growing sessions several times a
year as well as cut-your-lavender during the blooming season. Open: Mid May through Mid-July, weekends
only. Mon-Thurs 10-5, Fri/Sat 10-8, Sun 11-4.
4524 North Hwy 281, Blanco
830-833-2294
www.hillcountrylavender.com