Cedar Park
Cedar Park, Williamson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1873, George and Harriet (Standefer) Cluck purchased a large amount of land in this area, which they found to be rich in cedar trees and limestone. Their ranch and home became the central point around which the Cedar Park community developed. A post office was established in 1874 and was named Running Brushy. Harriet Cluck served as an early postmistress. When the railroad came through Running Brushy in 1882, the community's name was changed to Bruggerhoff to honor a railroad official. Five years later, the current name was adopted. Cedar Park was the scene of much growth and activity during the latter years of the nineteenth century. A community school and church building was constructed, and by 1892, a landscaped park had appeared along the rail line. George Cluck noticed the increasing popularity of barbed wire and opened a cedar yard in which he made and sold cedar posts. Cedar Park did not see much growth during the first part of the twentieth century, and by 1960 nearly all traces of the earlier community had disappeared. During the 1970s, however, the growth of Austin led to a population increase in this area, also, and the city of Cedar Park was incorporated in 1973.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1873 George and Harriet Cluck bought a swath of cedar- and limestone-rich land in Williamson County, and their ranch became the seed of a community first called Running Brushy, where Harriet served as postmistress. The railroad's arrival in 1882 renamed the town twice before 'Cedar Park' stuck, and Cluck opened a yard selling the cedar posts then in demand for barbed-wire fencing. The town faded in the early 20th century but boomed again in the 1970s as Austin's growth spilled north, and Cedar Park incorporated in 1973.
Why it matters
Cedar Park's arc from cattle ranch to railroad stop to modern suburb traces how the railroad and later metropolitan sprawl reshaped Central Texas over a century.
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Related people
- · George Cluck
- · Harriet Standefer Cluck
Themes & tags
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