Running Brushy

For millennia, the area now known as Cedar Park has undergone major transformation.  Once under water, the City of Cedar Park now sits on the precipice of the majestic Hill Country.  Changes in the landscape are overshadowed only by the lives of the colorful people who are part of the city's rich history.

The Spanish, French, Comanche, Mexicans, and early 1800's settlers were some of the first known explorers and inhabitants.  But in late 1982, a most startling discovery was made during an initial survey for a road extension in Cedar Park.  Excavation soon uncovered a female skeleton, between 20 and 30 years of age, who was named the "Leanderthal Lady."  The fact that she is around 10,500 years old further underscores the fact this area is just as archeologically rich as it is geographically diverse.

The area has since been defined as a site for American Indian trade.  For centuries, Indians from distant tribes gathered here and created a bustling marketplace for regional trade and free enterprise.  Later, during the Texas War for Independence, Block House Fort was built in the 1830s on Blockhouse Creek by a group of Texas Rangers.  Through it was later burned by the Comanche, it was the first fort build in Williamson County.

After the war, the Texas government began issuing land patents to early settlers and military personnel. As pioneers traveled westward, some settled in Williamson County. Once such family was Harriet (Hattie) Standefer's, who moved from Alabama.  Hattie married George W. Cluck, a budding cattle baron.  The Cluck families were some of the first to ride the famous Chisholm Trail.  In fact, some have said Hattie was the first white woman to go up the trail, while others said she was "the Queen of the Chisholm Trail."