Dripping Springs is a Little Slice of History
Dripping Springs, Texas is commonly known as the gateway to the hills of Texas. Located about 20 minutes west of Austin, Texas, Dripping Springs is set against a backdrop of nature that is uniquely central Texas. Its old growth oak trees and cool natural springs makes the community of Dripping Springs a highly frequented day trip destination for central Texans from Austin to San Antonio.
Dripping Springs is a little taste of Texas history. In the mid 1800s, three families picked up and moved to the central Texas area from Mississipi. They stopped along the road to the Fredericksburg army fort and decided that the area near the Milk House branch of the Edwards Aquifer would be the site of their new home. Named after the springs that bubbled up naturally from the aquifer, Dripping Springs has grown up from that three family caravan into the tight knit community that it is today.
The community of Dripping Springs is proud of their heritage and takes pride in restoring its historic buildings. Recently, the Pound House has been under caring restoration. Built in 1852 the Pound House was the home and farm of the community’s first doctor, one Dr. J.M. Pound. The estate has been restored into a quaint museum with exhibits highlighting the history of the area.
Residents of Dripping Springs are also eager to grow their community. In the past few years Dripping Springs has opened a state of the art library as well as Founders City Park. Founders City Park is a particularly welcome addition just north of the Highway 290 West intersection on Ranch Road 12. The 30 acre park features a junior Olympic-sized pool with a shallow children’s area, a hike and bike trail, softball fields, picnic facilities, concession stand, and playground.
The Dripping Springs community also plays host to a number of events and festivals attended by thousands of central Texans. The most beloved local festivals include the spicy Cajun Shrimp Boil, the Pound House Festival, the Dripping Springs Chili Cook-Off, the Gathering Festival of Fine Arts, the Founders’ Day celebration and of course, the Christmas in the Hills Christmas Light tour of homes. Residents of Dripping Springs are always excited to show off their homey city.
Though Dripping Springs is unarguably a quiet community it is conveniently close to both San Marcos, home of Texas State University, and Austin. If ever there is a need to leave the Springs, all the amenities of larger cities are just a few minutes away.