County Seat: Rocksprings * Population: 1,935
The 1891 Edwards County Courthouse has stood the test of time and disaster. In 1897 the county capitol was engulfed in flames with only the stone walls surviving. In 1927 a tornado struck the county seat of Rocksprings, tearing the roof off of the courthouse. Additional damage was caused by yet another fire, perhaps ignited by lightening from the viscous storm.
Edwards County was organized in 1883 and named for an early Texas colonizer, Hayden Edwards. Rocksprings represents the waters that flow from crevices in the rocks of Llano Canyon.
The Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area can be found about six miles northeast of the county seat. The Sinkhole, discovered by Anglo settlers in 1867, is a registered National Natural Landmark. The famous hole is a vertical cavern with an opening measuring approximately 40 feet by 60 feet with a vertical drop to the main cavern of about 140 feet. The main cavern is circular and reaches a total depth of 350 feet to 400 feet. The sinkhole is home to a seasonal population of Brazilian freetail bats, and the area is open to prearranged tours provided by the Devil’s Sinkhole Society.
The South Llano River, formed in Edwards County, flows 55 miles northeast into Kimble County. The river is one of the last of the free-flowing waterways left in Texas and is fed by springs emanating from Edwards County to the southwest; the South Llano winds its way over 100 miles to merge with the Colorado River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico
The area boasts several historical markers including the following:
Gilmer Hotel, northwest corner of courthouse square: Built in 1916 by Jesse Walter Gilmer (1883-1961), the two-story Gilmer Hotel was originally wooden with an upper gallery on the east and south sides. It was frequented by traveling salesmen as well as local ranchers and other visitors. The dining room was popular with townspeople, and the kitchen provided meals for prisoners in the Edwards County Jail. The hotel sheltered influenza patients during a World War I epidemic and, later, victims of a 1927 tornado.
Headquarters, American Angora Goat Breeders’ Association, one block west of courthouse square: Formed in Missouri, 1898. Moved to Texas, 1924; to Rocksprings, 1926. Houses complete records on Angora Goats registered in U.S.; pictures of breeders and champion goats on display.
Edwards County is still recognized as a center for mohair-wool production and celebrates each year with the annual Top-of-the-World Festival in May.
(Texas Almanac 2008-2009)
