 KIMBLE COUNTY  Population: 4,535 (2003 estimate) History: Kimble County lies in the southwest corner of the Central Texas Hills & Rivers Region and was named for Lt. George C. Kimble, a defender who died during the Battle of The Alamo. For centuries prior to its organization, the area was predominately inhabited by Native American tribes such as Comanche, Kiowa, Kiowa Apache and Lipan Apache. During the 1700s, Spanish explorers in search of land and the Christianization of Indians, passed through what is now Kimble County. Although predominately under Indian stronghold until the 1870s, Kimble County (then part of Bexar County) was included in the Fisher-Miller Land Grant of 1842. This grant encouraged German migration to central Texas, although the German-Texans predominately settled in the Fredericksburg and New Braunfels areas. In 1858, Kimble County was formed by the Texas Legislature. After the Civil War, settlements began to establish on creeks and rivers though Indian raids frequently took place on white settlements up until 1878. Outlaws also converged on the area due to its hilly terrain and thick cedar brush, ideal for hiding from the law. In 1870, Kimble County had a population of 72; by 1880 the population had risen to 1,343 and by 1890 to 2,243. Ranching was the primary source of income, with cattle and sheep the dominant livestock sources. Agricultural crops of wheat, corn and cotton were important revenue sources also. During the 1920s, tourists and hunters would converge on Kimble County’s mountainous landscape to hunt its abundant herd of white-tailed deer. Hunting still is an important moneymaker for residents of this area, with white-tailed deer and exotic trophy hunting taking place for domestic and international visitors.  Geography: Located on the Edwards Plateau, Kimble County features 1,274 square miles of broken, rolling plains. Waterways include the Llano and James rivers. Junction, the county seat and principal city of Kimble County, was named because the “junction” of the north and south forks of the Llano Rivers occurs here. Other communities in Kimble County include London, Roosevelt and Segovia. Elevation ranges from 1,400 feet to 2,400 feet above sea level. Junction: (pop. 2,618 ) Approximately 110 miles west of San Antonio, Junction is known as the “Land of Living Waters,” so named for the rivers and hundreds of natural springs in the area It was in Junction where famous football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant held sweltering summer practice sessions for his “Junction Boys,” who played for Texas A&M University during the 1950s. These sessions were later captured in a book by Jim Dent entitled The Junction Boys as well as an ESPN Original Entertainment movie by the same name. Also located in Junction is a Learning Center owned by Texas Tech University. The diverse 400-acre campus provides a natural landscape for academic learning, recreation and solitude. The flora and fauna of the physical surroundings create a relaxing atmosphere while also providing an opportunity for intensive academic study. Things to See and Do: South Llano River State Park:(below): Featuring 524 acres of recreational use area for hiking, birdwatching (with bird blinds and more than 150 different species), camping, picnicking, tubing, outdoor nature photography and more. Open daily. Junction. 325/446-3994.  Walter Buck State Wildlife Management Area: Adjacent South Llano River State Park, this natural area of 2,155 acres is dedicated to the preservation of native wildlife habitats and species including turkey and the endangered black-capped vireo. Camping, hiking and hunting allowed. Open daily. Junction. 325/446-3617.
Native American Seed: Specializing in native grasses indigenous to Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, they encourage the use of prairie grasses for wildlife habitat improvement and conservation. Wildflower seed and grass mixes sold wholesale and retail. A bed and breakfast, Cool River Cabin, situated on the Llano River, also is on property for respite and enjoyment. Open daily. Junction. 800/728-4043.
Outdoor Nature Photography: Ranchers have discovered an
alternative revenue source to deer and exotic game hunting
leases—allowing nature photographers to shoot with a camera and
not a gun. Ranches like the Redcreek Nature Ranch near London,
and CAVU Canyon Ranch in Segovia, offer prime viewing of songbirds
such as the golden-cheeked warbler, black-capped vireo, deer,
turkey and other wildlife indigenous to the area. Kimble County Historical Museum: Interprets the county’s rich historical treasures, plus honors local citizens who fought in our nation’s battles. Open by appointment. Junction. 325/446-4219. Water recreation: Canoeing, kayaking and tubing are very popular on the north and south forks of the Llano River. Rentals and guided trips are available through South Llano Farms (325/446-8271), South Llano River Canoes (325/446-2220), Sonny’s Canoes (325/446-2112) and Peacemaker River Expeditions (325/446-6272). Public access ramps also available for those with own watercraft. 
CAVU Canyon Ranch, Segovia Comfort Inn, Junction Econo Lodge, Segovia Fox Hollow Cabins, Junction Morgan Shady RV & Camping Resort, Junction Hills Motel, Junction Red Creek Nature Lodge, Junction South Llano River Cabins, Junction Sun Valley Motel, Junction Shopping: Across the Creek, Junction Conchos and Crosses, Junction Cowboy Cottage & Junction Home Center, Junction Hill Country Sporting Goods, Junction Generations III, Junction Plumley’s Pecan Shoppe, Junction Ranches Saddlery, Junction West Bear Creek General Store, Junction Dining: Cooper’s Barbecue and Grill, Junction Isaack’s Restaurant La Familia Restaurant, Junction Lum’s Café and Barbecue, Junction Sunshine Café, Junction Festivals/Events: March or April: Easter Pageant April: Spring Gun & Knife Show Flea Market May: “Twist Off” Rodeo Junction City-Wide Garage Sale June: Llano River Run Motorcycle Rally July: July 4th Fireworks Display August: Summer Classic Rodeo September: “Kimble Kounty Kow-Kick” Arts and Crafts Festival Junction Youth Rodeo November: Wild Game Dinner December: Christmas in Junction For more information about Kimble County visit their website at www.junctiontexas.net |
