History of Williamson County, Texas in Timeline

Williamson County, Texas, is a rapidly growing county with a population of over 600,000 as of 2020. Georgetown serves as its county seat. The county derives its name from Robert McAlpin Williamson, a significant community figure and a participant in the Battle of San Jacinto. Known for its blend of suburban and rural areas, Williamson County is part of the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metropolitan area and has experienced substantial economic and residential development in recent decades.

1911: Courthouse Built

In 1911, the current courthouse was built in the Neoclassical Revival architecture.

September 10, 1921: Record Rainfall in Thrall

On September 10, 1921, Thrall recorded 38.2 inches of rain in 24 hours, setting a national record.

1960: Low Election Turnout

In 1960, only 7,870 votes were cast in Williamson County elections.

1966: Demolition of Architectural Features

In 1966, key architectural features of the courthouse were demolished.

1970: Community Population Range

In 1970, Williamson County communities ranged in population from 20 to over 10,000 residents.

1973: Publication of Land of Good Water

In 1973, Clara Stearns Scarbrough's book, Land of Good Water, identified 33 viable communities in Williamson County.

1976: Jimmy Carter Victory

In the 1976 election, Williamson County voted for President Jimmy Carter by 55%.

1980: Shift to Republican Support

In the 1980 election, Williamson County shifted to support Ronald Reagan, giving him 56% of the vote.

1992: Formation of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

In 1992, the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge was established in western Williamson County to conserve habitat for endangered songbirds and other wildlife species.

June 1995: Opening of Sun City Georgetown

In June 1995, Sun City Georgetown, an age-restricted community, opened in Williamson County.

May 27, 1997: Central Texas Tornado Outbreak

On May 27, 1997, Williamson County experienced its worst tornado outbreak, including an F-5 tornado that struck Jarrell, killing 27 people.

1999: Major Retail and Commercial Developments

From 1999, major retail and commercial developments began appearing, including the Rivery in Georgetown, and the Premium Outlet Mall.

2002: Environmental Impact Statement Transfer

In 2002, the Northern Edwards Aquifer Resource Council transferred its work on an environmental impact statement to Williamson County.

2004: Town Populations

As of 2004, 11 towns in Williamson County had populations over 1,000 people, and seven towns had populations above 5,000.

2004: George W. Bush Victory

In the 2004 election, President George W. Bush won 68% of the vote in Williamson County.

2005: Community Impact Newspaper Founded

In 2005, Community Impact Newspaper, a local newspaper serving Williamson County, was founded.

2006: Courthouse Renovation Begins

In 2006, a major renovation began to restore the courthouse to its original 1911 state.

2007: Courthouse Renovation Completed

In 2007, the courthouse renovation was completed, returning it to its original 1911 state.

October 2008: County-Wide 10-A Permit Obtained

In October 2008, Williamson County obtained a county-wide 10-A permit, allowing property owners to participate through the WCCF.

2008: Sun City Residents Run for Mayor

In the 2008 city elections, two residents of Sun City were the only candidates for mayor of Georgetown.

2008: John McCain Receives 55% of Vote

In the 2008 election, John McCain received 55% of the vote in Williamson County.

2009: Best Cities to Live In

In 2009, the Milken Institute included Williamson County with Austin in the Best Cities to Live In list.

2010: Census Results

In 2010, the census recorded Williamson County had 422,679 people.

2012: Mitt Romney Defeats Obama

In the 2012 election, Republican Mitt Romney defeated Obama, 59% to 38%.

2015: New Colleges and Hospitals

Since 2015, Williamson County has seen growth in health care and higher education, with two new colleges and two new hospitals opening.

2016: Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton, 51%–41%.

2016: Donald Trump Victory

In the 2016 election, Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton, 51%–41%.

2018: O'Rourke Wins County Against Cruz

In 2018, Beto O'Rourke won Williamson County against Ted Cruz.

2018: Republican Dominance

Prior to the 2018 elections, all federal and state elected officials from Williamson County were Republicans.

2020: Joe Biden Victory

In 2020, Williamson County narrowly swung Democratic, with Joe Biden winning a plurality over Trump, 49% to 48%.

2020: High Election Turnout

In 2020, Williamson County saw a significant increase in election turnout, with 289,555 votes cast.

2020: Population Count in Williamson County

In 2020, the census recorded Williamson County's population as 609,017.

2020: Republican Reelections

In the 2020 election, Williamson County voters reelected Republican John Cornyn to the U.S. Senate and Republican John Carter to the U.S. House of Representatives.