BLANCO

Population 1,265

Altitude 1,350

General

Settled in 1853 by pioneer stockmen who had to fortify homes against hostile Indians. Named Blanco (Spanish word meaning white) for the Blanco River. Centerpiece of town square is the Old Blanco County Courthouse, fine example of Second Empire style architecture. Town was Blanco County seat from 1858 to 1891, when I moved to centrally located Johnson City. Now a popular tourist and resort area of Hill County. The town square is joined to the 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 the hunting season.

Attractions

• BLANCO STATE PARK - 110 acre park, in scenic Blanco River Valley, lies largely within the city limits. Camping, trailer sites, picnicking, screened shelters, group pavilion, fishing, swimming, pedal boats, children's play area, rest rooms, showers. On U.S. 281. Admission is charged.
• SCENIC DRIVE - 32 from U.S. 281 two miles south of Blanco. Portions of drive toward San Marcos follow a ridge called "The Devils Backbone," a treat of Hill Country landscapes where white-tailed deer are often seen, especially early or late day.

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