Region: Hill Country
Settled in 1853 by pioneer stockmen who had to fortify homes against attacks
and raids. Named Blanco (Spanish word meaning white) for the Blanco River. The
centerpiece of town square is the Old Blanco County Courthouse, a fine example
of Second Empire-style architecture. The town was the Blanco County seat from
1858 to 1891, then the county seat moved to centrally located Johnson City. Now,
a popular tourist and resort area of the Hill Country, it is surrounded by
numerous working lavender farms, bed-and-breakfasts and two locally owned
motels. Town square is joined to a state park by the two-block City Park, with a
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 seasons.
Antique stores, art galleries, market days, restaurants and artisans occupy
historic buildings around old courthouse. The courthouse and 37 other buildings
on or near the square are listed in the National Register of Historic
Places.