Photographer: Stan A. Williams
Region: Prairies and Lakes
Luling was established in 1874 as the terminus of a branch of Southern
Pacific Railroad. In early years it was a cattle center, shipping point and the
end of a freight trail from Chihuahua, Mexico. The crossroads frontier
settlement was once known as "the toughest town in Texas." Oil was discovered
here in 1922, and today, visitors can see active wells in and around the town,
some on such incongruous spots as church lawns, residential back yards and city
parks. Many of the bobbing pump jacks are decorated as animals and cartoon
characters and are popular as photo opportunities.
The city's world-famous Watermelon Thump Festival is the last weekend in
June, and its water tower is painted to look like a giant
watermelon.
Nearby Cities: Shiner, Dripping Springs, Selma, Smithville, Rockne, Flatonia, more...