Tourist Information
A Brief History of Kingsland
Kingsland sits along the banks of the Llano and Colorado rivers where they join to form Lake LBJ, approximately half way between Marble Falls and Llano. It is primarily in east central Llano County, however, a sizeable portion is located in Burnet County. Martin D. King, Sr. and J. M. Trussell purchased and began clearing land for a settlement on the site in 1879. It was several years after his death, in 1883, that the the city was actually surveyed, platted and laid out by his wife, Nancy Jane King. She named the town Kingsville, after her husband. The new town began to grow and prosper; it was the site of a cotton gin and a small trading center in the 1880's. Town growth expanded dramatically with the arrival of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad in 1892. Because of its mild climate, the rivers. picturesque terrain and good hunting and fishing, Kingsville became a popular resort and recreation spot, thanks to excursion trains from Austin.
By 1901, the community name had been changed to Kingsland by the U.S. Post Office—there was already a Kingsville in south Texas—and had become home to a growing number of businesses, including the historic Antlers Hotel, built by railroad interests. Kingsland had a reported population of 750 in 1907 but suffered a temporary decline, aggravated by a fire in 1922; in 1925 the population was reported as 150. Kingsland has seen good times and bad times over the years but, through it all, it has continued to grow and prosper. Today, population of the Kingsland area stands at approximately 10,000 residents. The portion residing in Llano County, approximately 6,500, represents one third of the entire population of Llano County.
| Landmarks | Data & Maps | Photos |
| Antlers Hotel was built by the railroad. The Antlers Hotel is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. | Antlers Hotel | |
| Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, Lake LBJ | Historical marker | Photo |
| Austin and Northwestern Railroad Historic District Fairland to Llano | National Register listing |
Photo Location map |
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Packsaddle Mountain is an area land mark that stands five miles southwest of Kingsland in eastern Llano County (at 30º37' N, 98º30' W) and is of interest to both historians and geologists. Its twin-peaked silhouette resembles a saddle from some perspectives. Intriguing traces of gold, silver and other minerals have been reported in the sands of Honey Creek and the mountainside. It is said to be the location of the Los Almagres mine, the object of Jim Bowie's searches for several years; records indicate that the Spanish operated a mine in the region. Prospecting on Packsaddle Mountain renewed interest in gold mining in Llano County in the 1920s, but with no lasting result. At an elevation of 1,628 feet, the higher of the two summits rises 650 feet above U.S. Highway 71. Local topography ranges from flat to rolling to steep, with local escarpments, covered with soils ranging from shallow and stony to deep, fine, sandy loams. Vegetation consists primarily of open stands of live oak and Ashe juniper. The mountain was the site of the Packsaddle Mountain Fight with Apache Indians on August 5, 1873, the last major Indian battle in the area. |
Photo |
TOURISM INFORMATION
Location
Kingsland is nestled in the Texas Hill Country. Although located mostly in Llano county, parts spill over into Burnet county. It's population is estimated to be more than 10,000 people. A perfect hideaway on Lake LBJ, Kingsland is 66 miles northwest of Austin. The terrain consists of gently rolling peaks and valleys made up of limestone, sandstone and granite formations and outcroppings adorned with majestic oak, pecan, juniper and mesquite trees. Maps >>
Climate
The average annual temperature is 64.7 degrees. Spring - 65.9, Summer - 80.6, Autumn - 66.4 and Winter 46.1 degrees. Average rainfall is 26.6 inches and average snowfall is 1.6 inches. Demographics & Climate >>
Recreation Facilities
Located on the banks of constant-level Lake LBJ, Kingsland is a haven for outdoor recreation. Camping facilities, bike riding, fishing, golf and hunting are all available in the Kingsland area. All types of lodging are available. Area Lodging >> Lake LBJ Map >> Boating Services >> Golf >>
Shopping & Dining
Kingsland offers a variety of shopping and dining opportunities. Arts & Crafts >> Shopping >> Dining >>
Community Facilities
Kingsland hosts an excellent library, a fully-staffed medical clinic, nursing homes, an assisted living facility, a community center, a senior center and churches. Kingsland has its own US Post Office location and all major shipping services pick up and deliver locally.
Medical >> Community Services >>
