Round Rock

Round Rock
City
Motto(s):  "Sports Capital of Texas"
Founded	1851
Founded by	Jacob M. Harrell
Named for	Large round rock in the middle of Brushy Creek
Government
• Type	Council-Manager
• Body	Round Rock City Council
Area
• Total	93 km2 (35.9 sq mi)
• Land	92 km2 (35.7 sq mi)
• Water	0.5 km2 (0.2 sq mi)
Elevation	216 m (709 ft)
Population  (2020)
• Total	123,678
• Density	1,336.0/km2 (3,460.2/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes	78664-78683
Area code(s)	512 and 737
Website	roundrocktexas.gov

Round Rock is a city located in the state of Texas, United States. It is the county seat of Williamson County and is part of the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area. With a population of 123,678 as of 2020, Round Rock is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas.

History

Round Rock was founded in 1851 by Jacob M. Harrell, who settled near a large round rock in the middle of Brushy Creek. The rock served as a landmark for early pioneers and gave the city its name. In the late 19th century, Round Rock became a major stop along the Chisholm Trail, a cattle trail that connected Texas ranches to markets in Kansas.

Geography

Round Rock is located at and has a total area of 35.9 square miles, of which 35.7 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles is water. The city is situated on the eastern banks of the Balcones Escarpment, a geological formation that marks the boundary between the Texas Hill Country and the Blackland Prairie.

Economy

Round Rock has a diverse economy with a mix of industries. The city is home to the headquarters of several major companies, including Dell Technologies, one of the largest technology companies in the world. Other notable employers in Round Rock include Emerson Electric, Samsung, and St. David's Round Rock Medical Center. The city also has a thriving retail sector, with several shopping centers and outlets.

Education

Round Rock is served by the Round Rock Independent School District, which operates numerous elementary, middle, and high schools in the city. The district is known for its high academic standards and has received several accolades for its educational programs. Round Rock is also home to the main campus of Texas State University, which offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Sports and Recreation

Round Rock is often referred to as the "Sports Capital of Texas" due to its numerous sports facilities and events. The city is home to the Dell Diamond, a minor league baseball stadium that serves as the home field for the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Round Rock also has several parks, trails, and recreational centers that offer a variety of outdoor activities for residents and visitors.

Notable Attractions

One of the main attractions in Round Rock is the Round Rock Premium Outlets, a large shopping center that features over 125 designer and brand-name stores. The city also has several historical sites, including the Round Rock Stagecoach Inn, a restored 19th-century inn that now serves as a museum. Additionally, Round Rock hosts several annual events and festivals, such as the Round Rock Chalk Walk Arts Festival and the Round Rock Music Festival.

Transportation

Round Rock is well-connected to the surrounding areas through various transportation options. The city is served by several major highways, including Interstate 35 and State Highway 45, which provide easy access to downtown Austin and other nearby cities. Round Rock also has a commuter rail station that is part of the Capital MetroRail system, offering convenient transportation to downtown Austin.

External links

• Official website
• Round Rock Chamber of Commerce