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 the county seat. The county derives its name from Robert McAlpin Williamson, a significant figure in the region's history and a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto. Known for its blend of suburban communities and historical landmarks, Williamson County is a prominent part of the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metropolitan area.

1911: Courthouse Built

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

September 10, 1921: Record Rainfall in Thrall

On September 10, 1921, the 24-hour rainfall total ending at 7 am in Thrall, Texas, reached 38.2 inches, setting a national record. The storm, a remnant of a hurricane, caused deadly floods that resulted in 93 fatalities in Williamson County.

1960: Low Voter Turnout

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

1966: Demolition of Courthouse Features

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

1970: Community Populations in 1970

In 1970, the communities in Williamson County ranged in population from 20 people in Norman's Crossing to more than 10,000 residents in Taylor.

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, represented by the stars on the county flag.

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1976: Williamson County Votes for Carter

In the 1976 election, Williamson County voted for President Jimmy Carter by a higher percentage (55%) than Travis County (52%).

1980: Shift to Reagan Support

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

1992: Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge Formed

In 1992, the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge was formed in the Texas Hill Country, including parts of western Williamson County, to conserve habitat for endangered songbirds and preserve Texas Hill Country habitat for other wildlife.

June 1995: Sun City Community Opens

In June 1995, Sun City Texas, a 5,300-acre age-restricted community, opened in Georgetown.

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, Texas, killing 27 people. An F-3 tornado also hit Cedar Park, resulting in one fatality. The outbreak caused over $190 million in damages and 30 total fatalities.

1999: Retail and Commercial Developments Appear

From 1999 onward, major retail and commercial developments began appearing in Williamson County, including The Rivery in Georgetown, Premium Outlet Mall, the IKEA-area retail, and La Frontera mixed-use center in Round Rock.

2002: Environmental Impact Statement Transferred to County

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

2004: Town Populations in 2004

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

2004: Bush Wins Williamson County

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 was founded to serve Williamson County.

2006: Courthouse Renovation Begins

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

2007: Courthouse Renovation Completed

In 2007, the major renovation of the Williamson County courthouse 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 USFWS 10-A permit (incidental take permit) to preserve endangered species in karst topography through voluntary land donations.

2008: Sun City Residents Run for Mayor

In the 2008 Georgetown city elections, two residents of Sun City, both formerly elected city council members, were the only candidates for mayor.

2008: McCain Wins Williamson County

In the 2008 election, John McCain received 55% of the vote in Williamson County, defeating Barack Obama, who received 42%.

2009: Best Cities to Live In

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

2010: 2010 Census Data

As of the census of 2010, Williamson County had a population of 422,679 people, 152,606 households, and 111,514 families. The population density was 373 people per square mile.

2012: Romney Wins Williamson County

In the 2012 election, Republican Mitt Romney defeated Barack Obama in Williamson County, with 59% of the vote to Obama's 38%.

2015: New Colleges and Hospitals Open

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

2016: Trump wins Presidential Election

In 2016, Williamson county voted for the presidential election winner Donald Trump.

2016: Trump Wins Williamson County

In the 2016 election, Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton in Williamson County, with a vote share of 51% to 41%.

2018: Republican Dominance in Williamson County

Before the 2018 elections, every federal and state elected official from Williamson County was a Republican.

2018: O'Rourke Wins County Against Cruz

In 2018, Democrat Beto O'Rourke won Williamson County against Ted Cruz in the U.S. Senate race.

2020: Biden Wins Williamson County

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

2020: High Voter Turnout

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

2020: 2020 Census Population

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

2020: Republicans Re-elected to Federal Offices

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.