Georgetown is a city in and the county seat of Williamson County, Texas, United States,
With a population of 47,400 at the 2010 census and a population of 63,716 at the 2016 Census estimate. It is 30 miles (48 km) from Austin. Southwestern University, the oldest university in Texas, founded in 1840, is located in Georgetown about one-half mile from the historic square. Sun City Texas is a large retirement-oriented and age-restricted development that constitutes more than one-third of Georgetown’s population.
Georgetown has a notable range of Victorian commercial and residential architecture. In 1976, a local historic ordinance was passed to recognize and protect the significance of the historic central business district, and in 1977, the Williamson County Courthouse Historical District, containing some 46 contributing structures, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Georgetown is also known as the “Red Poppy” Capital of Texas for the red poppy (Papaver rhoeas) wildflowers planted throughout the city. Georgetown’s Red Poppy Festival, which attracts up to 30,000 visitors annually, is held in April each year on the historic square.
Access : Coordinates: 30.651111, -97.681389 / The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the closest major airport. Interstate 35 (I-35) runs through central Texas and Georgetown is located about 30 miles north of Austin and ten miles or so north of Round Rock. Downtown Georgetown is easily accessible from this highway. Get around : A new toll road 130, connects Georgetown with the airport and other toll roads into Austin.
Highlights :
- Inner Space Caverns is just off I-35 and is a geologic wonderland. The square in downtown Georgetown is a must see when visiting. The Williamson County courthouse sits in the center of the square and many shops surround it. Many of the buildings are historical and the architecture has been preserved and beautifully restored over the years. Many of the nearby homes are also historical and provide and wonderful place to walk.
- Georgetown is one of the rare communities to escape fire and destruction of its early homes and public buildings, today Georgetown has more than 180 homes and buildings showcasing its heritage, and on the National Register of Historic Places. The Palace Theatre also sits near the square and served as the Georgetown movie theatre from 1925 to 1989. The Palace now serves as a true theatre space and hosts many performances.
Activities : Go to a show at the Palace Theatre. Swim and boat in Lake Georgetown. Golf at one of nine nearby courses. Look for antiques and gifts on “the square” as it is affectionately called by locals.
The newly renovated county courthouse in the center of the historic square is the site of famous Ku Klux Klan trials held in Georgetown in the 1920s. Dan Moody was the talented prosecutor who won the cases, he later became governor of Texas. Guided tours of the courthouse are available through the Williamson County Historical Museum, across the street from the courthhouse on Austin Avenue.
Georgetown is known for its festivals and events held around the square. The Red Poppy Festival (Georgetown is the “Red Poppy Capital of Texas”) is held each spring. The Christmas Stoll opens the holiday season in the first week of December. A list of events is available at the Visitors Center on the square.
Visit the campus of Southwestern University, Texas’ first institution of higher learning chartered when Texas was a republic in 1840. Many of the University’s lectures and cultural events are open to the public.
Go next :Georgetown has a wonderful set of park trails along the North and South Forks of the San Gabriel River, within a mile of the downtown area, offering shady picnic and play areas. The almost nine miles of trails connects with a 28-mile trail at Lake Georgetown.
