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History in
a Pecan Shell
The town dates
from 1882 when the the Austin and Northwestern Railroad built a section
of track from Austin to
Burnet following the International
and Great Northern Railroad’s completed line (1876) connecting Rockdale
and Austin.
The town of NcNeil (named after Geo McNeil, a section foreman of the
Austin and Northwestern) soon appeared at the railroad intersection
which promised unlimited potential. In December of 1888 a post office
was opened and in the 1890s the town could boast its own hotel and
a population of 200. The population dropped to 125 during the Great
Depression and declined to a mere 70 in the 1940s, where it has remained
ever since. |
1920s Travis
County map showing McNeil, north of Austin.
(From Texas state map #10749)
Courtesy Texas General Land Office |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
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