Arts & Culture
A Smith Gallery106 N Nugent Ave
Johnson City, TX 512-442-4080 www.asmithgallery.com |
Artists Alliance Hill CountryPO Box 173
Dripping Springs, TX 512-296-7751 www.artistsalliancehc.com |
Echo |
Eyfells & Eyfells |
JL Haynes Gallery |
Kirchman Gallery |
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Studio Massaro |
Texas Art House |
Texcetera |
History & Heritage
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The Johnson Ranch on Town Creek, set at an old crossroads, was the site of present day Johnson City. The north-south route from Blanco to the Colorado River was known as early as Spanish times. Miranda passed this way in 1579 crossing the Pedernales in the vicinity of Johnson City on his way to inspect the supposed silver deposits near Llano.
McCarty Spring McCarty Spring, just four miles to the northwest of town, was a favored way station for travelers between Austin and Fredericksburg. Andrew Jackson Johnson, an older brother to Tom and Sam Johnson, located his home near this spring in 1858 or 1859. None of the early sites grew into a lasting settlement other than as ranch stations. When Lyndon B. Johnson’s Grandfather, Sam Ealy Johnson, Sr., gave up his cattle-driving business (driving cattle up the Chisholm Trail had become unprofitable), he and his brother, Tom Johnson, sold out their interests to a nephew, James Polk Johnson. |
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How Johnson City Got Its Name
The nearest post office, mill, and general store were located 14 miles south in Blanco / Pittsburg. There were still renegade Indians roaming the area, so travel over any distance was viewed with great apprehension. For that reason, settlers in the north end of Blanco County began to plan for a city in the northern area.
In 1879, a barbecue was held at the springs on Town Creek located on the Johnson Ranch. At this meeting three sites for a town were offered, and the one accepted by vote of the settlers was a 320-acre plot of land on the Pedernales River offered by James Polk Johnson. After the decision, his many friends took him up on their shoulders and cheered both his victory and the decision by the residents to name the new town after him.
James Polk Johnson
James Polk Johnson successfully made the transition from rancher to businessman. It was his organizational ability that converted a natural way-station to a settled community and a county seat. James Polk’s Grist Mill was a steam-powered cotton gin and grist mill on Town Creek. Principal crops in this area were corn and cotton. In the early 1940’s, the gin was purchased by George Crofts and converted to a milling and grain operation, which flourished until the late 1970’s.
The First Buildings
By the time of his premature death at age 40 in 1885, James Polk had built the first grist mill, the Pearl Hotel and had under construction a building that was to be a general merchandise store (now the Johnson City Bank). This building came to have the first jail in its basement, and served as the first Johnson City courthouse. The first church congregation (Methodist) met in an upstairs room of this building until their church building was constructed, and later Lyndon B. Johnson had his local offices in this building constructed by his second cousin.
Blanco County
Blanco County was created on February 11, 1858, from Burnet, Comal, Gillespie, and Hays Counties. In establishing the county the legislature mandated that the county seat thereof shall also be called Blanco and should be within five miles of the center of the county. Judge William E. Jones of Curry’s Creek was appointed by the legislature to organize the county.
Kendall County
Following the formation of Kendall County in 1862 from portions of Blanco and Kerr Counties with the subsequent loss of territory and population on the south, pressure grew to move the seat of government. This was the major factor in the relocation of the county seat to Johnson City in 1890. The boundary line changes had positioned Johnson City within two miles of the center of the county.
The nearest post office, mill, and general store were located 14 miles south in Blanco / Pittsburg. There were still renegade Indians roaming the area, so travel over any distance was viewed with great apprehension. For that reason, settlers in the north end of Blanco County began to plan for a city in the northern area.
In 1879, a barbecue was held at the springs on Town Creek located on the Johnson Ranch. At this meeting three sites for a town were offered, and the one accepted by vote of the settlers was a 320-acre plot of land on the Pedernales River offered by James Polk Johnson. After the decision, his many friends took him up on their shoulders and cheered both his victory and the decision by the residents to name the new town after him.
James Polk Johnson
James Polk Johnson successfully made the transition from rancher to businessman. It was his organizational ability that converted a natural way-station to a settled community and a county seat. James Polk’s Grist Mill was a steam-powered cotton gin and grist mill on Town Creek. Principal crops in this area were corn and cotton. In the early 1940’s, the gin was purchased by George Crofts and converted to a milling and grain operation, which flourished until the late 1970’s.
The First Buildings
By the time of his premature death at age 40 in 1885, James Polk had built the first grist mill, the Pearl Hotel and had under construction a building that was to be a general merchandise store (now the Johnson City Bank). This building came to have the first jail in its basement, and served as the first Johnson City courthouse. The first church congregation (Methodist) met in an upstairs room of this building until their church building was constructed, and later Lyndon B. Johnson had his local offices in this building constructed by his second cousin.
Blanco County
Blanco County was created on February 11, 1858, from Burnet, Comal, Gillespie, and Hays Counties. In establishing the county the legislature mandated that the county seat thereof shall also be called Blanco and should be within five miles of the center of the county. Judge William E. Jones of Curry’s Creek was appointed by the legislature to organize the county.
Kendall County
Following the formation of Kendall County in 1862 from portions of Blanco and Kerr Counties with the subsequent loss of territory and population on the south, pressure grew to move the seat of government. This was the major factor in the relocation of the county seat to Johnson City in 1890. The boundary line changes had positioned Johnson City within two miles of the center of the county.
Science & The Great Outdoors
A WORLD OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY.
The Science Mill is a family destination offering a fun, interactive learning environment for all ages. Through cutting-edge technology-based exhibits, games, and programs, the Science Mill expands students' understanding and appreciation of science in their everyday lives. By igniting their curiosity and inspiring them to pursue post-secondary education, the Science Mill experience starts students on the path to a life-long career in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
We invite you to explore our site, learn more, and visit us in Johnson City. Learn more about our 40+ interactive exhibits, 3D movie theater, field trips, birthday parties and special events here. www.sciencemill.org
The Science Mill is a family destination offering a fun, interactive learning environment for all ages. Through cutting-edge technology-based exhibits, games, and programs, the Science Mill expands students' understanding and appreciation of science in their everyday lives. By igniting their curiosity and inspiring them to pursue post-secondary education, the Science Mill experience starts students on the path to a life-long career in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
We invite you to explore our site, learn more, and visit us in Johnson City. Learn more about our 40+ interactive exhibits, 3D movie theater, field trips, birthday parties and special events here. www.sciencemill.org
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Flowing over and around huge slabs of limestone, the Pedernales River can be turbulent. But most often it is tranquil, and a great place to relax and recharge. We are just 30 miles west of Austin. Come over for an afternoon swim or hike, or load up your gear for an overnight adventure. The river awaits!
Things to Do at Pedernales Falls State Park: you can camp, hike, mountain bike, picnic, geocache, bird watch and ride horses. On the river, you can swim, wade, tube or fish. Look for local wildlife and plants at the bird blind and butterfly garden. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/pedernales-falls |
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Johnson City Art Walk
An introduction and overview of the monthly Artwalk held in Johnson City, Texas. Seven independent galleries open their doors from 4-8pm on the last Saturday of each month. Select galleries arrange for Featured Artists to be on hand to discuss their work. Art, Crafts, Antiques and many unique items are available to view and purchase. Complimentary wine, beverage and refreshments are provided.