Bull Creek first occupied in 5000 B.C.
Bull Creek first occupied in 5000 B.C.
Written by Karen R. Thompson Friday, 23 May 2008
In 5000 B.C., large herds of bison fed on lush grasslands and drank in the spring-fed waters of Bull Creek along what is now Spicewood Springs Road.
Prehistoric people were attracted to Bull Creek for the wooded valleys that supported deer, turkey, smaller mammals, birds, fish and turtles. There was, as there is now, an abundance of fresh spring water year round. Acorns and pecans were plentiful in the fall and berries of all sorts were readily available.
The prehistoric sites, according to University of Texas Archeologist Laura H. Nightengale, for the most part are burned rock middens (kitchens) used to process large amounts of food and overhangs and boulders which would have provided shelter.
The abundance of natural resources was created by the formation of what is known as the Balcones Fault or Escarpment. This formation affected the future pattern of colonization in Texas. The numerous springs and wooded areas, adjacent to fertile prairies, had attracted Indian tribes and Spanish colonists before Anglo settlers arrived. An official Texas historical marker titled “Balcones Fault aids colonization of Texas” is located on Capital of Texas Highway just west of the Spicewood Springs Road intersection.
The city of Austin was laid out in 1839, and the trails along Bull Creek became a highway for settlers in that area of Travis County.
The settlers were farmers who were attracted to the abundant water, game, and relatively broad stream valleys that provided fertile soil for farming. One of the earliest landowners was Hughell Walden. He built a mill on Bull Creek in 1850. A group of Mormans also settled in this area, although they later moved on to Llano County.
By 1854, area families needed a school and Oak Grove School was established on Spicewood Springs Road. By 1900, the Oak Grove cemetery was begun on the banks of Bull Creek. This cemetery is still in use today, and every Fourth of July, descendants of those early residents have a picnic on the grounds to raise money for the cemetery upkeep.
The Esperanza School, a one-room log building, was constructed further south in 1866. This rural school served area students until 1873. In 1962 the schoolhouse was donated by Dr. and Mrs. F.E. Ingersol and moved to the Austin Area Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Road. With the help of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, this log schoolhouse has been restored as part of the Pioneer Village.
The amenities of Bull Creek continue to attract residents and visitors. The Bull Creek Foundation supports a 32 sq. mi. area. Both the Upper and Lower Bull Creek Greenbelt are considered some of the most beautiful areas of Texas. Founder Skip Cameron has devoted a couple of decades to preserving the area.
The Bull Creek District Park located at 3701 Lakewood Drive is a great example of the ecologically unique terrain found in the valley of Bull Creek.
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