Junction's First Waterworks
Junction, Kimble County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Predecessor of present city waterworks. Supplied water to homes and furnished power to run grist mill, cotton gin, and sawmill. Business leader Ernest Holekamp had canal dug in 1895, beginning at South Llano River, 1/2 mile south of Courthouse. Average bottom width was 6 feet, with depth of water from 3 to 4 feet. The system, named Junction City Milling Company, changed hands 6 times. It was purchased by city in 1928. Holekamp, who came to city in 1881, was first president of Kimble County State Bank and first mayor of Junction, 1927.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1895, business leader Ernest Holekamp had a canal dug from the South Llano River to power Junction's grist mill, cotton gin, and sawmill while supplying water to homes—the town's first waterworks. Known as the Junction City Milling Company, the system changed hands six times before the city bought it in 1928. Holekamp, who arrived in 1881, became the first president of the county bank and Junction's first mayor.
Why it matters
This early waterworks shows how a single enterprising citizen could bring both industry and modern utilities to a remote Hill Country town, powering the mills that turned local crops into livelihoods.
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Related people
- · Ernest Holekamp
Themes & tags
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