Region: San Marcos

William Lindsey, Gen. Edward Burleson and Eli T. Merriman founded San Marcos, Texas in 1851. They bought the Juan Vermendi tract of land along the river and laid out the city. Legend says Franciscan Monks paddling up the Guadalupe River discovered a clear river with large springs at its source. The Monks named the river San Marcos because the discovery was made on St. Mark’s Day.

Historic downtown, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, features a quaint marketplace with art, gift shops and unique restaurants. In years past, these shops and restaurants on the square were grocery and clothing stores, doctors’ offices and bank buildings. Also in the center of town is the restored Hays County Courthouse.

The Belvin Street Historic District is one of two historic districts in town (the other is the Downtown Historic District). Superb examples of 19th-century homes along the street are shaded by huge live oaks. It is well worth a drive or stroll (it’s only a few blocks long) in the southwest part of town. All homes in this district are private residences. They are not open to the public, except during the Tours of Distinction, which is observed the first weekend in May.