Garden City, TX

Garden City is a town located in Williamson County, Texas. The population was 13,811 at the 2010 census. Garden City is part of the Austin- Round Rock metropolitan area.

The town of Garden City was founded in 1886 by John H. Wharton and his wife, Lillie (née Farrar). The town was named for the gardens that Mrs. Wharton had created on their property. The first business in Garden City was a grocery store operated by J.W. Pritchett and Wm. Akins. In 1887, the first post office opened in Garden City with Jno H Wharton as postmaster; it closed in 1889 due to lack of patronage.

In 1888, the railroad came to Garden City and began to spur development along its tracks; this included a hotel, several stores, and a blacksmith shop operated by Akins & Co.. In 1890, Jno H Wharton built the first brick building in town – a general store which he later renamed " Wharton's". In 1892, he built another store next door which he called "Pritchett's". These two stores served as the nucleus of what would become downtown Garden City; they are now both historic buildings that have been restored and are used for other purposes (the General Store is now known as "The Corner Store" while Pritchett's has been converted into apartments).

In 1895, James Dickson opened up Dickson Drugstore which became one of the most successful businesses in town; it remained open until 1978 when it was replaced by Walgreens Pharmacy (which still operates today). Other businesses that were established during this period include: Akins & Co., Lillie Wharton's dress shop (now occupied by JoAnn Fabrics), Gossard Bros., Ritter Bros., Schumacher Bros., Smith & Son Hardware (now occupied by Ace Hardware), and Webb Brothers Furniture Store (now occupied by IKEA).

In 1907, construction began on what would become Williamson County Hospital – an institution that continues to serve residents of Garden City today. This same year saw the opening of Williamson County School District #1 – which would eventually grow to encompass all of western Williamson County including Garden City – with John Ewing as superintendent; this district remains operational today under different names but maintains its original campus located at 1010 East Highway 71 .

During World War II , many men from Garden city enlisted in service ; among these were: 1st Lt William Culp who served with distinction during Operation Overlord ; Sgt Harry Burdette who received two Bronze Stars for heroism while serving with Company I , 5th Armored Division ; Pvt Earl Cox who received three Purple Hearts while serving with Company K , 2nd Battalion , 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment ; Pfc Kenneth Womack who received two Silver Stars while serving with Company C , 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment ; Sgt Leroy Whitehead who received three Bronze Stars for heroism while serving with Company F , 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment .

Following World War II , growth continued to be strong throughout Garden city thanks largely to new families moving into town and starting businesses: Texaco opened up a station near downtown in 1947 followed soon thereafter by Sears Roebuck & Co.; both companies remain major employers within downtown today . In 1951, construction began on what would become Williamson County Courthouse – an iconic structure that has played an important role in civic life over the past 60 years . That same year also saw construction begin on what would become Williamson Medical Center – another major healthcare provider within western Williamson County . Other notable businesses that were established during this period include: American National Bank (now BBVA Compass), Baptist Health System (formerly Baptist Hospital), Central Texas College (formerly West Texas State Teachers College), First Baptist Church of GardenCity/Lakeway Campus/ Westlake Village Campus/Lakeway Center For The Performing Arts/, Graybar Electric Incorporated (), Hill Country Veterinary Specialists (), Lone Star Steakhouse (), McDonalds (), Pizza Hut (), Sonic Drive-In ()