History

Aristotle asserted that in order to “understand anything, observe its beginning and its development.” His philosophy rings true throughout historic evolution of the Wimberley Valley, which is rooted in three of the four universal elements — earth, air and water.

In the 16th century, Spanish Conquistadors first traversed into the Wimberley Valley. Seeking gold and riches, they found only the nomadic Tonkawa Indians, which hailed this area as home since the 13th century. While the Tonkawa had no written language, the Spanish left only limited records for historians to decipher. What records that do exist make it clear that the Spaniards were struck with the rugged beauty that encompassed the area. They wrote of the refreshing spring-fed waters of Cypress Creek and the Blanco River, and found the air crisp and invigorating. Yet with their minds set on the discovery of precious metals, they would leave empty-handed in their futile quest for gold.

It was a story that would repeat itself for centuries to come; many would come to this peaceful valley, amazed by its rugged appeal and spring-fed waters, but would be unable to seek out a living from the rock laden, unforgiving shallow top soil.

When legendary explorer Jacob De Cordova first made his way into the Wimberley Valley in the 1830s, the Tonkawa remained. De Cordova was arguably the first Western settler to capture the alluring beauty in terms that would pave the way for the settlers who would follow. He was enraptured with the rocky terrain and captivated by the cool, clear spring-fed waters that encompassed the surrounding terrain.

Wimberley’s modern history begins with William Winters, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto, which gave Texas its independence from Mexico and started it down the path to statehood. Winters built a cut limestone home and a gristmill in 1848 on 200 acres that bordered Cypress Creek, a spring-fed, crystal clear tributary that feeds into the Blanco River. To this day, remnants of the hand-dug millrace remain along a centrally located road by the same name, as does the home, now restored, boasting a Texas historical marker, as well as designation on the National Register of Historic Places.

Originally, Wimberley was known as “Winter’s Mill.” In 1864, John and Nancy Winters purchased the mill and adjoining property. By 1874, the mill fell on hard times and Blanco County native Pleasant Wimberley purchased the business for $8,000 in gold. From that point on, the growing settlement that was taking root in the area became known as “Wimberley’s Mill.”

By 1880, the community had grown sufficiently to support a post office. Pleasant Wimberley proved to be an astute businessman. In addition to grist, the mill produced lumber, flour, molasses mill and even a cotton gin was eventually built. However, the community’s namesake died in 1919 at the age of 96, and the business he built began to fall into a steady decline. Within six years of Pleasant’s death, the mill went the way of the dinosaur.

For decades afterward, Wimberley existed as an unincorporated community, with a small business district consisting of a pharmacy, dry goods store, various gas stations, mechanic’s shops and feed stores to supply the many ranches and farms that surrounded the area.

By the 1950s, Wimberley had become a popular destination for summer camps. A variety of youth-oriented retreats burned indelible memories into the Baby Boomers of the 1950-60s. As this generation became successful and upwardly mobile, they began to migrate to Wimberley, attracted by the cool springs and comforting surroundings. What were originally summer homes became year-round dwellings as many families found work in nearby cities like Austin, San Marcos, New Braunfels and even San Antonio.

Between 1990 and 2000, the population of Wimberley doubled. Several incorporation elections failed, however, fears over rapid growth in the face of new developments and the encroachment of Austin paved the way for the establishment of Wimberley’s incorporation in the spring of 2000.

Since its foundation, the city has moved to protect its most precious natural resources. In 2001, Wimberley obtained a matching grant from the Texas Department of Wildlife to preserve 7.24 acres that run along Cypress Creek. Cypress Creek Nature Trail features a walking path along the creek, surrounded by native fauna. In 2003, a part-time resident purchased a 126-acre tract of land bordering historic Blue Hole, named one of the 10 best swimming holes in the state by Texas Monthly. He held the land in trust until Wimberley obtained enough money through a grant from the Texas Department of Wildlife, Hays County, the Lower Colorado River Authority and numerous private donations to purchase the property in May of 2005. Today the park is open to swimming between the last week of May and the first week of September.

Visit www.vil.wimberley.tx.us/ for information and hours of operation for both public parks. The City of Woodcreek’s Web site is http://www.cityofwoodcreek.com.

Today, Wimberley is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Texas. It’s unique architecture, beautiful rivers and creeks; popular shopping attractions and varied eateries attract throngs of visitors year round.