Blanco Historic Preservation Commission

06/25/2026

The Blanco Historic District, located in the center of Blanco, Texas, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 16, 1991. Spanning about 8 city blocks, it features 46 buildings—most notably the native limestone Old Blanco County Courthouse.

District Overview & Boundaries Location: Roughly bounded by 5th Street to the north, Town Creek to the south, Live Oak Street to the east, and rear property lines west of Main Street.

Listing Details: Reference Number #91000890, which includes State Antiquities Landmarks and Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks.

Properties: Composed of 46 total structures, consisting of 25 contributing buildings (built 1941 or earlier) and 21 noncontributing buildings.

Key Structures in the District Old Blanco County Courthouse: Designed by Frederick Ernst Ruffini in the Second Empire architectural style, this 1885 structure serves as the centerpiece of the district and now hosts a visitors' center and events.

Adrian Edwards Conn House: Listed separately on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, located at the intersection of US 281 and the southwest corner of the courthouse square.

Information shared on social media is for educational value and the scenery of Blanco's life stories and history. BHPC is not responsible or liable for any direct or consequential damages resulting from transactions or agreements made between consumers, real estate agents, associations, retail stores, eateries, or the public at large. Posts do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the city. BHPC makes no representation, expressed, or implied, regarding the qualifications of any listings here.

✨ A Taste of History in the Heart of Blanco ✨

Before traffic lights and Teslas… before smartphones and selfies… there was a bustling little town square filled with horse-drawn carriages, neighbors swapping stories, and storefronts full of life.

Today, that same spirit still lives on at Uptown Blanco Restaurant 💙

Set against the backdrop of Blanco’s rich history, Uptown blends the charm of old Texas with fresh, thoughtfully prepared food made to bring people together — just like it always has.

Whether you’re a history lover, a Hill Country wanderer, or simply someone who appreciates a great meal in a beautiful setting, Uptown is more than dinner… it’s an experience rooted in tradition.

Come sit where stories have been told for generations.
Come taste a little piece of Blanco’s past — reimagined.

🍽️ Historic charm.
🍷 Hill Country flavor.
⭐ Uptown Blanco Restaurant

06/25/2026

Looking back.. Read all about now. Hill Country Woman: Blanco & Spring Branch by Jenny Jurica December 3, 2020, Business Woman Spotlight, Empower. Photography by Jason Roberts

Featuring:

1. Jan Brieger, Owner Brieger Pottery and Redbud Cafe. Blanco, Texas

2. Heidi Savory, Owner, Cranberry’s Antiques, here in Blanco, Texas

Leave a Positive Reply

https://sawoman.com/2020/12/hill-country-woman-blanco-spring-branch/

When You’re Here, You’re Family BY: JENNY JURICA If you head north on 281, you’ll pass through several small, friendly Hill Country communities—first, Spring Branch, and then onto Blanco. Both communities are known for their stunning scenery and warm smiles. These three ladies make their hom...

06/25/2026

Blanco, Texas, is the center of the Hill Country's agricultural community, best known for specialty crops like lavender and cut flowers, as well as ranching and dairy.

Capital Farm Credit is awarding $50,000 to recognize and support the next generation of outstanding Texas agriculture producers.
Whether you’re just getting started or already blazing a trail, this is your chance to GROW. Apply now! Applications close on June 30, 2026.

The region thrives on direct-to-consumer farm operations and localized artisan production. (1)

Agriculture has been the lifeblood of the Blanco area since the region was first settled by Anglo-Americans and European immigrants in the mid-19th century. (2)

Early Ranching and Farming: The area was initially favored for grazing. Sheep raising flourished starting around 1859, quickly turning into a major industry alongside cattle ranching. (3)

The rapid growth and history of Blanco’s agricultural boom include the following milestones:

The First Bales (1866): Cotton was first successfully grown in the Blanco, Texas area. It quickly became a vital local cash crop, sustaining the local economy for decades. https://portrait.blancoguide.com/e/30

Early Processing (1870): The first cotton gin was established in Blanco County. By the 1870s, gins were operating up and down the Blanco River to process the high yields. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/blanco-county

The Peak Era (1900–1910): Cotton production steadily climbed, occupying over 16,000 acres of county land by 1910 and producing nearly 9,000 bales annually. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/blanco-county

The "King Cotton" Era: Cotton was first successfully produced in 1866 and became the primary cash crop, leading to the construction of numerous cotton gins along the Blanco River by the 1870s. (4)

Adapting to the Land: Settlers also experimented with wheat, Indian corn, and other grains, though agricultural yields frequently fluctuated due to droughts, thin topsoil, and unpredictable rain cycles. (5)

Modern Specialty Producers and Notable agriculture producers and farm businesses in and immediately around Blanco include:

By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the local agricultural landscape began to shift toward unique, specialty crops perfectly suited to the Hill Country’s alkaline soils. https://www.blancochamber.com/about-lavender

The Lavender Boom: In 1999, local growers pioneered commercial lavender farming in Texas, recognizing that Blanco's hot, dry summers and limestone terrain closely mirrored those of Provence, France. The area's legacy as the Lavender Capital of Texas is celebrated annually at the Blanco Lavender Festival. https://www.blancolavenderfest.com
Innovating the Flower Market: Blanco is home to renowned producers like Arnosky Family Farms, which has been supplying fresh-cut specialty flowers and snapdragons to upscale Texas grocers since the 1990s.
Specialty Herbs & Products: Producers like Heron's Nest Herb Farm expanded the local agribusiness footprint to include pick-your-own organic herb trails and natural beauty production. https://texashillcountry.com/5-things-didnt-know-blanco/
CKC Farms (17505 FM 32): A Grade-A goat dairy that produces all-natural artisan goat cheeses.
Millfos Ranch: A local ranch operating in the Central Texas Hill Country, producing and selling grass-fed beef direct to consumers /www.facebook.com/millfosranch/
Co3 Cattle Company: A family-owned operation that raises and provides pasture-raised, clean beef for the surrounding Hill Country communities.
https://co3cattle.com/about-us/

Ref:
(1) https://www.blancochamber.com/about-lavender
(2)https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_p4507_0026m.pdf
(3) https://portrait.blancoguide.com/e/30
(4) https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2017/01/03/agriculture-tells-the-history-of-the-rio-grande-valley/
(5) https://www.clbrowningranch.org/index.php?t=history&s=blanco_county

Information shared on social media is for educational value. BHPC is not responsible or liable for any direct or consequential damages resulting from transactions or agreements made between consumers, real estate agents, associations, or the public at large. Posts do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the city. BHPC makes no representation, expressed, or implied, regarding the qualifications of any listings here.

Capital Farm Credit is awarding $50,000 to recognize and support the next generation of outstanding Texas agriculture producers.

Whether you’re just getting started or already blazing a trail, this is your chance to GROW.

Apply now! Applications close on June 30, 2026.

➡️ Learn more and apply: https://www.capitalfarmcredit.com/products-services/ybs/grow-your-agriroots?fbclid=IwY2xjawKz4UtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFSTFB3VHdBbzNzblBMczd4AR6FLydxNuWmDr2xVlKKIBzF-8MLG361p3RNqSxRgEApf1bP-cD-13ml8DyeXw_aem_nrgSwlT9cDqykAMLGV8wuw

06/25/2026

In the Texas Hill Country, while driving on the Texas Highways. Watch our for deer crossing, falling rocks, and now one giraffe, her name is Garcie. No kidding!

Keep your eyes on the road and stay alert to these hazards on the rural highways:

Giraffe Watch (Gracie): Watch out for a towering silhouette! She has notable rounded ears and is roaming in the dense brush and canyons of the Hill Country.

Deer & Wildlife: The Hill Country is notorious for axis and white-tailed deer that dart into the road, especially at dawn and dusk.

Falling Rocks: Many stretches of highway—especially on winding routes—cut through steep limestone cliffs where debris frequently falls on the road.

06/24/2026

Twin Sisters Dance Hall is one of the oldest and most historically significant continuously operating dance venues in Texas. Located in Blanco County, it was established by German immigrants in the late 19th century and has served as a cultural community hub for generations.

Foundation: The hall was established by German immigrant Max Krueger in the 1870s and 1879. Krueger originally built a warehouse and general store before transforming the site into a dance hall and community center.

Bowling Alley: Krueger also built a traditional bowling alley adjacent to the hall, though it sadly burned down in 1967.

Visit https://texasdancehall.org/the-twin-sisters-dance-hall-by-patrick-cox-ph-d/ for more about this dance hall.

Excited to be back at the Festival of Texas Fiddling in Blanco, Texas. Hope to see y’all there!

06/22/2026

A grant would greatly benefit cattle and meat processing in the Blanco area. The Texas Hill Country has a strong ranching tradition, and independent processors face constant capacity constraints.
Local producers rely heavily on these facilities to get ranch-raised beef from pasture to consumer.

Available Grant Opportunity
The following grants can directly support the expansion, equipment needs, and resilience of local processing facilities: USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) -
Phase 4: This federal program provides funding to small, independent processors to diversify supply chains and strengthen the American beef industry.
Processors can apply for funds to buy equipment, upgrade facilities, and expand their overall slaughter and processing operations.
Deadlines: Applications are open through August 7, 2026.




Information shared on social media is for educational value. BHPC is not responsible or liable for any direct or consequential damages resulting from transactions or agreements made between consumers, real estate agents, associations, or the public at large. Posts do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the city. BHPC makes no representation, expressed, or implied, regarding the qualifications of any listings here.

There is a special opportunity to receive financial aid for Texas processors. USDA Rural Development has opened Phase Four of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Grant Program. With $60 million available nationwide, this program supports expanding local processing capacity, strengthening the beef industry, and opening new market opportunities. Eligible Texas facilities that primarily process cattle can apply for funding to purchase equipment or expand operations.

Applications are open until August 7, 2026.

Learn more and apply: https://aamp.com/page/grants

06/19/2026

Blanco is #3 of #8. Old 300 BBQ you are in the TEXAS HILL COUNTRY LOOP. This applies to other local businesses. Interesting!

😍✨ The Texas Hill Country Loop That Combines BBQ, Wildflowers, and Waterfalls 👇👇

06/19/2026

Attention Blanco's Ranch and Farm Families! For the first time ever!

The Texas Department of Agriculture is celebrating families who have stewarded their farms and ranches for 50 and 75 years. Here in Blanco, there are still many families that can apply.

Two families here in Blanco with over 100 years of Honorees are as follows:

1) Kent Weber Ranch Rach (1882)
2. Ethridge Family Farm (1914)

Applicants must meet all other standards for Family Land Heritage recognition:

Your family must have maintained at least 10 acres of the land in continuous agricultural production since the farm or ranch's founding. “Family” can include relatives by blood, marriage, or adoption.
You must be able to trace ownership from the founder to the present generation.
You must be able to substantiate ownership through generations with deed, wills, or other documents.
The land must fit the old U.S. Census definition of a farm: 10 acres or more with agricultural sales of $50 or more a year.
Applicants must provide verification from their county judge. Owners must be actively managing the everyday operation of the property.

**To accommodate this year's new applicants, TDA has EXTENDED the application deadline for all applicants. Please submit your completed application, including the signed county judge affidavit, to TDA by JUNE 30, 2026.**

Download a printable .pdf copy of the 2026 Family Land Heritage Program application (open in Adobe Acrobat).

Download a printable .pdf copy of the required County Judge affidavit verifying your property meets all the qualifications of the Family Land Heritage Program (open in Adobe Acrobat).


Information shared on social media is for educational value. BHPC is not responsible or liable for any direct or consequential damages resulting from transactions or agreements made between consumers, real estate agents, associations, or the public at large. Posts do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the city. BHPC makes no representation, expressed, or implied, regarding the qualifications of any listings here.

Applications are now open for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Family Land Heritage program—and for the first time ever, we’re celebrating families who have stewarded their farms and ranches for 50 and 75 years.

In honor of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, this expanded recognition shines a light on generations of dedication, hard work, and deep roots in Texas agriculture. Whether your family legacy spans 50, 75, or 100+ years, your story matters, and now is your time to be recognized.

Apply today and celebrate the land, legacy, and love that keep Texas growing!
https://texasagriculture.gov/News-Events/Family-Land-Heritage

06/19/2026

If you missed the PBS showing of Texas Dance Hall, here is episode #1. Twin Sisters Dance Hall in Blanco

In this episode, the crew went to the Texas Hill Country to see Twin Sisters Dance Hall in Blanco and the Devil’s Backbone Tavern in Fischer.

03/26/2026

About PBS: The station relies heavily on community contributions rather than government funding.

KLRN (Channel 9) is the primary PBS member television station in San Antonio, Texas. Broadcasting since 1962, the station operates out of the Charline McCombs Media Center in downtown San Antonio and serves South Central Texas.

Austin PBS (KLRU-TV) is Central Texas's premier community-supported public television station. Operating out of its 45,000-square-foot facility at the Austin Community College Highland Campus, the station broadcasts over 35,000 hours of commercial-free arts, culture, and educational programming each year.

About Twin Sister Dance Hall: "Twin Sisters Historic Dance Hall is located 7 miles south of Blanco, HWY US 281. Since the early to mid-1800’s, Twin Sisters Hall has maintained a tradition of families coming together to enjoy music and dance. This historic community gathering place provides a focus on cultural education, historic preservation, and a way of life in the Texas Hill Country. This Historic Hall was originally built to serve as a warehouse and then became the community gathering place for the community, providing music and fellowship, which served the German Community of Twin Sisters. The Twin Sisters Community was named after the two Twin Mountains that can still be seen from a distance.

In 1875, German immigrant Max Krueger bought the hall and turned it into a Dance Hall, including having a regular Twin Sisters Band, in which many of the descendants of these band members still live in and around Blanco County. There are many colorful stories about Twin Sisters, such as some of the elders would handcuff young men that were out of line to one of the beautiful Oak Trees outside the hall till the dance was over, Or the times the young man that came on horseback, and after the dance headed home, waking up the next morning in front of his house that was over 15 miles away. Or one New Year’s Eve, a young man rode into the hall on horseback, shooting out the lamps, hollering HAPPY NEW YEAR, and don’t forget about the many young couples that met there, and then got married there.

After the huge drought of Blanco County hit, Mr. Krueger sold his ranch and the hall to Henry Bruemmer. In 1918 Mr. Bruemmer sold the hall to the Twin Sisters Hall Club for $5.00. This Historic hall has been run by volunteers and kept open for the first Sat. of the Month Dance ever since.

The upkeep of this hall is a tremendous challenge due to the historic nature and the materials used on this hall. March of 2018 the Twin Sisters Hall received a new roof, with the help of grants and the grass roots fundraisers. As they were taking the old sheet metal off, the original Cypress Shingles were exposed from the 1800’s. It was like stepping back into time and very emotional to see. This year on Sept. 22 2018 Twin Sisters will host its 4th annual RAISE THE ROOF FESTIVAL with live Music, Chili and BBQ Cook Off, along with Venders for shopping, Food Venders, Silent Auction, 42 Domino Tournament, Washing Pitching Contest as well as a dance to bring awareness to the need and upkeep of this unique and historic hall.

Twin Sisters has been working continuously with the Texas Dance Hall Preservation and has been one of many halls hosting the Texas Dance Hall Tour, as well as featured in the Documentary of the Texas Dance Halls, On the Texas Dance Hall Tapes, Hosting the South Texas Fiddling Festival, Blanco School Prom, and the Festival of Fiddlers.

Twin Sisters is also the Texas Dance Hall featured in the Hit Song Video “HEAD OVER BOOTS” by Country Music Artist Jon Pardi.

For More information contact: [email protected], follow us on Face Book, or call 830-833-5773"

https://www.hillcountrypassport.com/current/article/23930/history-of-twin-sisters-dance-hall

https://video.klrn.org/video/episode-1-twin-sisters-and-devils-backbone-ftoqrl/

Twin Sisters Historic Dance Hall is located 7 miles South of Blanco, HWY US 281. Since the early to mid-1800’s Twin Sisters Hall has maintained a tradition of families coming together to enjoy music and dance. This historic community gathering place provides a focus on cultural education, historic...

06/18/2026

Deep Roots of Blanco Education, back to 1883.

The history of schooling in Blanco goes back to 1883 when Blanco High School was chartered as a combination private/public institution, originally built on an unused foundation of the failed Masonic University. Over the decades, as the town and the Blanco Independent School District grew, the district expanded and repurposed its campus facilities. The building that now functions as the Middle School was built and operated as the High School before the newer high school complex was built. (a)

Blanco ISD is excited to welcome Mr. Brandon Henry as the new Principal of Blanco Middle School!

Blanco Middle School, the sole middle school in the Blanco Independent School District, serves grades 6 through 8. The district's educational roots in the Texas Hill Country trace back to 1883, with the original public-private Blanco High School opening its limestone doors in October 1884.​ (b)

Over the decades, the Blanco ISD campus system grew and expanded. Today, the middle school is highly regarded—it has previously been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School and maintains a strong academic record with small, 12-to-1 student-to-teacher ratios.​ (c)

Chartered in 1883, Blanco High School in Blanco, Texas, is one of the oldest schools in the Texas Hill Country. It began as a hybrid private-public institution, with its first two-story limestone building opening in October 1884 on a 10-acre plot donated by R.C. Traweek.

Refs:

(​a) https://www.blancoisd.org/133680_2

(b) https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/texas/blanco-middle-260635
(​c) Blanco Middle in Blanco, Texas - U.S. News Education

Blanco ISD is excited to welcome Mr. Brandon Henry as the new Principal of Blanco Middle School!

Mr. Henry brings more than 18 years of experience in public education, serving students and families in a variety of leadership and instructional roles. Most recently, he has served as Assistant Principal at Dripping Springs Middle School, where he has led efforts in campus operations, student support, testing coordination, teacher development, facilities planning, and Emergent Bilingual programs.

Prior to his administrative experience, Mr. Henry spent many years as an Agricultural Science teacher and department leader, where he built highly successful student programs and developed a reputation for strong relationships, organization, and a commitment to student growth. His experience working with students, staff, parents, and community members has prepared him well to lead a campus focused on excellence, belonging, and opportunity for every student.

Throughout his career, Mr. Henry has been actively involved in district committees focused on long-range planning, curriculum adoption, transportation, student health, college and career readiness, and campus improvement initiatives. He is known for his collaborative leadership style, his ability to build strong connections with people, and his focus on creating positive learning environments where both students and staff can thrive.

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Henry to the Blanco ISD family.