St. William Catholic Church
Round Rock, Texas near Brushy Creek
part of the Chisholm Trail
To protect pioneers from Indian raids, some forts were established along Brushy Creek as early as 1635.
The first community to be established in the area soon became known as Brushy.
When the area requested a post office, the US Postmaster General did not approve the name because it had already been assigned to another village in East Texas. In 1854, the local postmaster selected the name of Round Rock because of the well-known stone which marked a safe crossing over Brushy Creek.
The true beginning of Catholic life in Round Rock has its roots in the Hispanic emigration.
Hispanics came to Round Rock and McNeil in the beginning of the 20th century to work principally in the limestone quarries.
David L. Carlin, who researched the early community, wrote, "The lime plant in Round Rock has aided the settlement of the Mexican-Americans in Round Rock, more than any other factor."
Although this agave is called a Century Plant, it typically lives anywhere from 10 to 30 years.
It flowers only once at the end of it's long life. It does, however, send out sucker shoots to continue the process of life.
I've loved the Century Plant since moving to Texas and finding it growing prolifically in the Big Bend area of our state.
I've tried to grow it, unsuccessfully, at home. Since we live in zone 6, the heat loving agave cannot withstand our fierce winters.
The sweet honey water that can be gathered from the plant stem can be fermented into a drink known as pulque.
Agaves are also known as mezcals. You might recognize this name if you enjoy an occasional Margarita or Tequila Sunrise.
The grounds of the church are beautifully landscaped with Century Plants, herbs, and blooms.
