CATFISH TO FRISBEES

A curious story surrounds the naming of Round Rock, established along the northern banks of Brushy Creek and first known as “Brushy Creek”. At the behest of postal officials who wanted to change the name, the community’s first postmaster suggested the name “Round Rock” after his favorite fishing spot. Postmaster Thomas C. Oatts and his fishing partner, local blacksmith Jacob Harrell, often spent afternoons casting into Brushy Creek waters from a large, anvil-shaped slab of limestone near their homes. The limestone slab, or round rock, became Oatts’ inspiration for the community’s new name, thus in August of 1854 (catfish catching time!) the name Round Rock became official. Today, you’re more likely to try your luck fishing at Round Rock’s Old Settlers Park where Texas Parks and Wildlife Department keeps a small lake stocked as needed with bass, catfish, and perch. A variety of sports from baseball to Frisbee competitions dominate the contemporary Round Rock scene, inspiring its tag as the Sports Capital of Texas. Round Rock is also part of the historic Chisholm Trail, mapping where the trail crossed Brushy Creek and identifying historic structures in both “Old Town” and “New Town” that played a part in Round Rock’s Chisholm Trail history