Region: Hill Country
This blackland prairie site was first settled in 1854 by a slave named Adam
Orgain, who was sent to watch over the ranching interests of his owner, John
Orgain. Soon after, a handful of families, including the Huttos, settled on the
land. James Emory Hutto sold 50 acres in 1876 for a town site and donated land
for the International Great Northern Railroad's right-of-way through the area.
The town was named after Mr. Hutto. The town was named "Official Hippo Capital
of Texas" by the 2003 Texas Legislature, with a 14,000-pound "Henrietta the
Hippo" statue in the downtown district and 150 smaller ones throughout the city.
Currently, it is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas.
Early 20th-century Texas architecture examples can be found in downtown
Hutto, where several brick buildings more than 150 years old can be seen. The
Hutto Olde Tyme Days Festival, held the third weekend in October, includes a
children's carnival, tractor show, car show, silent auction, arts and crafts,
parade, food and vendor booths.