Leander
Texas
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City of Leander
About Us:
Leander lies within the heart of Central Texas and at the edge of theTexas Hill Country. Leander is home to approximately 20,000 people and continues to grow at a rapid pace.An excellent school system, affordable living, progressive government, and the close proximity to a variety of employment options are a few of the valuable attributes to the community. Beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and an exceptionally stunning municipal golf course which is surrounded by the hills and nature, including deer and turkey that run freely, provide for exciting recreational opportunities
The City of Leander has a variety of housing to offer as well, with homes for the first time buyer, move-up homes, and executive homes all within the city. Just 5 miles north of Austin on U.S. 183, the City of Leander is located within close proximity to anything your family needs. All of this works together to make Leander the premier place to live in Central Texas.
History:
The City of Leander, originally called Bagdad, was established on July 17, 1882. The first settlers arrived in the area around 1845, receiving bounty land grants in exchange for service in the Texas Revolution. These settlers lived in log cabins and were frequently subjected to being attacked by Indians that also called this area of central Texas their home. If it had not been for the many Indian attacks, the area of Bagdad would probably have been settled earlier. Although, because of these frequent attacks the Texas Rangers were called in to protect the settlers and they constructed a building that would house up to sixty men. This was one of the first buildings of what is now Williamson County.
During the 1850s the town of Bagdad was surveyed and many businesses began opening. One of the first stores was a blacksmith shop. The first post office was opened in 1858. Although the location was isolated the abundance of water and timber attracted many settlers. Farming became the mainstay of the area, with the settlers growing much of their own food and making most of their own clothing.
During the Civil war many men left to join the Southern forces. At the end of the war most of the men returned to the local community, as well as many of the freed slaves. Bagdad Cemetery was established in 1857 with the burial of three-year-old John Babcock whose father gave the tract of land where the cemetery now exists, to the community. Other earlier burials were Civil War veterans. The United Methodist church was established in 1860.
Leander, presently, has a population estimated at 15,000. The Leander Independent School District has grown into the largest school district in Willliamson County and the fastest growing district in the state of Texas. It presently has a total of two high schools, four middle schools and eleven elementary schools. More that 16,787 students are expected for the 2002-2003 school year. It encompasses the cities of Leander, Cedar Park, Jonestown, and parts of Northwest Austin. New businesses are on their way and the residential growth that has been experienced over the past few year's is phenomenal. The long-term water supply is now secure for the city's residents and a newly expanded wastewater treatment plant is on-line. The city continues to expand its roadway network to assist the residents of Leander in traveling into the Austin area.
Many changes have occurred since the little town of Bagdad opposed the building of the railroad and the unwanted disruption of their peaceful lives. The City of Leander continues to grow and prosper and we invite everyone to come and experience our extraordinary hill-country city.
Leander lies within the heart of Central Texas and at the edge of theTexas Hill Country. Leander is home to approximately 20,000 people and continues to grow at a rapid pace.An excellent school system, affordable living, progressive government, and the close proximity to a variety of employment options are a few of the valuable attributes to the community. Beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and an exceptionally stunning municipal golf course which is surrounded by the hills and nature, including deer and turkey that run freely, provide for exciting recreational opportunities
The City of Leander has a variety of housing to offer as well, with homes for the first time buyer, move-up homes, and executive homes all within the city. Just 5 miles north of Austin on U.S. 183, the City of Leander is located within close proximity to anything your family needs. All of this works together to make Leander the premier place to live in Central Texas.
History:
The City of Leander, originally called Bagdad, was established on July 17, 1882. The first settlers arrived in the area around 1845, receiving bounty land grants in exchange for service in the Texas Revolution. These settlers lived in log cabins and were frequently subjected to being attacked by Indians that also called this area of central Texas their home. If it had not been for the many Indian attacks, the area of Bagdad would probably have been settled earlier. Although, because of these frequent attacks the Texas Rangers were called in to protect the settlers and they constructed a building that would house up to sixty men. This was one of the first buildings of what is now Williamson County.
During the 1850s the town of Bagdad was surveyed and many businesses began opening. One of the first stores was a blacksmith shop. The first post office was opened in 1858. Although the location was isolated the abundance of water and timber attracted many settlers. Farming became the mainstay of the area, with the settlers growing much of their own food and making most of their own clothing.
During the Civil war many men left to join the Southern forces. At the end of the war most of the men returned to the local community, as well as many of the freed slaves. Bagdad Cemetery was established in 1857 with the burial of three-year-old John Babcock whose father gave the tract of land where the cemetery now exists, to the community. Other earlier burials were Civil War veterans. The United Methodist church was established in 1860.
Leander, presently, has a population estimated at 15,000. The Leander Independent School District has grown into the largest school district in Willliamson County and the fastest growing district in the state of Texas. It presently has a total of two high schools, four middle schools and eleven elementary schools. More that 16,787 students are expected for the 2002-2003 school year. It encompasses the cities of Leander, Cedar Park, Jonestown, and parts of Northwest Austin. New businesses are on their way and the residential growth that has been experienced over the past few year's is phenomenal. The long-term water supply is now secure for the city's residents and a newly expanded wastewater treatment plant is on-line. The city continues to expand its roadway network to assist the residents of Leander in traveling into the Austin area.
Many changes have occurred since the little town of Bagdad opposed the building of the railroad and the unwanted disruption of their peaceful lives. The City of Leander continues to grow and prosper and we invite everyone to come and experience our extraordinary hill-country city.
