LULING

Population 4,788

Altitude 418

General

Established 1874 as terminus of a branch of Southern Pacific Railroad. In early years a cattle center, shipping point and end of freight trail from Chihuahua, Mexico. The crossroads frontier settlement was once known as "the toughest town in Texas." Oil discovered 1922, and today visitors will see active wells in and around the town, some on such incongruous spots as church lawns, residential back yards and city park. Many of the bobbing pump jacks are decorated as animals and cartoon characters; popular photo sites.

Attractions

• PALMETTO STATE PARK- a rare botanical garden, almost tropical profusion of plants, includes an amazing variety, many found nowhere else in Southwest. On San Marcos River, 178-acre park is used as field laboratory by several Texas universities. Descriptive folders interpret nature trails. Tent and trailer camping, rest rooms, swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking, and nature displays. Seven miles south of Luling on U.S. 183, Park Road 11. Admission.
• SCENIC DRIVE-Park Road 11 through Palmetto State Park.

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