LLANO

Population 2,990

Altitude 1,029

General

Founded in 1855, on the clear, spring-fed Llano River, the town of Llano became the county seat in 1856. Well established by 1860 with stores, saloons and a hotel, there was no church in the rough frontier village. Llano courthouse dates from 1892.

Brief boom of industrial speculation followed iron ore discovery in 1880s, but commercial ore quantity proved elusive, as did other mining ventures for asbestos, copper, graphite, lead, magnesium, and zinc. Llanite, a unique type of dark pink granite with inclusions of sky-blue quartz crystals, is found nowhere else in the world.

The present farm-ranch community in scenic Hill Country bills itself the "Deer Capital of Texas" and hosts many hunters seeking abundant white tailed deer during fall-winter season. Year-round fishing in picturesque Llano River and nearby Highland Lakes. Entire downtown square is designated a National Historic District.

Attractions

• CITY-COUNTY PARKS-Camping and picnicking available at all. Some with RV hookups, lake and pool swimming, fishing, boat ramp, playgrounds, 9-hole golf course, hiking trails, and scenic views. Black Rock and Shaw Island Parks on Lake Buchanan; Robinson City Park on Llano River; Llano County Community Center (park) on west edge of town. Details at the Llano County Chamber of Commerce, 700 Bessemer (Texas 16) north of the river bridge; open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - noon; 1-5 p.m. 915/247-5354.
• ENCHANTED ROCK STATE PARK- Massive dome of solid granite famed in Indian legend; said to be site of human sacrifices, some tribes feared to set foot upon it; others used height as rallying point; all held it in awe and reverence. Indians believed ghost fires flickered on crest on moonlit nights. Covers about 640 acres, 500 feet high. Open year round. Hiking, climbing and rappelling, picnicking, primitive camping in designated areas (reservations accepted). South 22 miles via Texas 16, R.M. 965. Admission. 915/247-3930.
• HISTORIC INN: Badu House-Originally a small-town bank, c. 1891, restored as a country inn and restaurant. Marble-floored front room, quaint dining rooms, original fixtures, and antique furnishings; six rooms and one suite with baths. On Texas 71 north. 915/247-4304.
• LLANO COUNTY MUSEUM-General county historical displays housed in refurbished old-time drug store. Open Jun. - Aug. 10 a.m. -noon, 1-5 p.m. except Mon. Open Sept. - May Fri. - Sun. 1:15 -5:15 p.m. North end of Llano River bridge, Texas 16. 915/247-3026.
• LLANO FINE ARTS GUILD, INC.-Exhibit of work by local artists. Open Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m. 503 Bessemer (Texas 16). 915/247-4839.

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