Kingsland sits along the junction of the Llano and Colorado Rivers, approximately half way between Marble Falls and Llano. It is primarily in east central Llano County, however, a sizeable portion is located in Burnet County. Martin D. King, Sr. and J. M. Trussell purchased and began clearing land for a settlement on the site in 1879. It was several years after King's death, in 1883, that the the city was actually surveyed, platted, and laid out by his wife, Nancy Jane King. She named the town Kingsville, after her late husband. The new town began to grow and prosper; it was the site of a cotton gin and a small trading center in the 1880's. Town growth expanded dramatically with the arrival of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad in 1892. Because of its mild climate, the rivers, picturesque terrain, and good hunting and fishing, Kingsville became a popular resort and recreation spot. Excursion Trains from Austin added to the growth.

By 1901, the community name had been changed to Kingsland by the U.S. Post Office—there was already a Kingsville in south Texas—and had become home to a growing number of businesses, including the historic Antlers Hotel, built by railroad interests. Kingsland had a reported population of 750 in 1907 but suffered a temporary decline due to a fire in 1922; in 1925 the population was reported as 150. Kingsland has seen good times and bad times over the years but, through it all, it has continued to grow and prosper. Today the population of the Kingsland area stands at approximately 10,000 residents. The portion residing in Llano County, approximately 6,500, represents one third of the entire population of Llano County.