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MARBLE FALLS, Texas

"Marble Falls... for a weekend, or a lifetime"
"Building a Better Community - Preserving the Foundation of the Past"

Population (2003): 7,451

Elevation: 823 ft

Area: 6.7 sm

County: Burnet
Zip Code: 78654, 78657

Area Code: 830-693-

Time Zone: CST
Coordinates: 30 34' 27" N, 98 16' 41" W
Location: In S part of county; 25 mi N of Johnson City
13 mi SE of Burnet, SE of Mason, 30 mi SE of Llano
Highways: US 281, 2147, FR 1431

Creeks:

Rivers: Colorado

Lakes: LBJ, Marble Falls (see Highland Lakes)

Parks: There are many parks along the lakes and in the area (see below)

REFERENCES

CITY: CITY OF MARBLE FALLS
830-693-3615; Fax: 830-693-6737
800 Third Street, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Web: www.ci.marble-falls.tx.us;
Email: jmiller@ci.marble-falls.tx.us

CHAMBER and TOURISM:

MARBLE FALLS/LAKE LBJ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
830-693-4449; 800-759-8178
916 Second Street, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Web: www.marblefalls.org; Email: info@marblefalls.org

MARBLE FALLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP: 830-693-3615; 800 Third Street, Marble Falls, TX 78654, www.marblefallseconomy.com

MARBLE FALLS TOURISM GUIDE: www.marble-falls.net

HIGHLAND LAKES: www.highlandlakes.com

VISIT BURNET COUNTY: www.VisitBurnetCounty.org

HILL COUNTRY PORTAL: Highland Lakes Profile

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY REGIONAL CHRISTMAS LIGHTING TRAIL:
www.tex-fest.com/regional/index.htm. Tourism spotlight on this town.

MARBLE FALLS TOUR GUIDE: 512-755-4664; A "step-on" ATGA Certified Tour Guide with years of experience offers customized tours of the Texas Hill Country. E-mail: phundley@281.com.

NEIGHBORING TOWNS: 5 mi NE of Cottonwood Shores; 8 mi E of Granite Shoals,
9 mi SE of Highland Haven; 7 mi NE of Horseshoe Bay; 3 mi NE of Meadowlakes,
6 mi S of Suddath

Just a little ways further out: 12 mi SE of Kingsland; 24 mi (via Hwy 71 )E of Sunrise Beach; 26 mi SE of Buchanan Dam

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS:

LAKE LBJ: see Highland Lakes

LAKE MARBLE FALLS: see Highland Lakes

HISTORIC MAIN STREET DISTRICT: Historic buildings brought back to life as shops, restaurants, sculpture, festivals, farmers market and a theater. Historic Main Street Assoc: 830-385-9289 or info@historicmainstreet.org, www.historicmainstreet.org

FALLS ON THE COLORADO MUSEUM: 830-798-2157; At 905 3rd Street, Marble Falls, TX 78654. 2 blocks W of Hwy 281. Created in 1998 to collect and display the history and culture of the Central Texas region centered in Burnet County. Artifacts, documents, photos, books and culturally important icons and memorabilia on display, as well as an area for research. Free admission, donations appreciated. Open Thur-Sun or by appointment. Email: focmuseum@281.com, www.fallsmuseum.org. Thu-Sat, 10a-5p. Map.

FOX MEMORIAL MARKER & PANORAMIC VIEW: A monument overlooking Colorado River and scenic Hill Country is dedicated to Oscar J. Fox, composer of the classic popular song, �Hills of Home.� In roadside park on U.S. 281 just S of town S of the bridge.

SWEET BERRY FARM: 830-798-1462; From downtown Marble Falls, take FM 1431 W to FM 1980, turn R. Pick your own strawberries and blackberries. Hay rides, horse rides, petting farm, hay mazes, fall pumpkin patch, flowers, face painting, picnic area and more. School, group and civic activities. www.sweetberryfarm.com

MARBLE FALLS HISTORIC TRAIN DEPOT & CHAMBER VISITOR CENTER: 830-759-8178; S of Hwy 1431 on Hwy 281 in Marble Falls. Depot is more than 100 years old. Mon-Fri: 8a-5p.

GRANITE MOUNTAIN/COLD SPRING TEXAS GRANITE COMPANY: 830-693-4316; Home of "Texas Pink" granite used to build the Texas State Capitol building. The mountain can be viewed from roadside picnic areas. Visitors not admitted to quarry area, but a retail outlet is open to the public. On Hwy 1431 just W of Marble Falls.

PARKS: There are many state, county and LCRA parks in the greater area as profiled on the Parks page. Local city include:

ADAM JOHNSON PARK: Features shade trees, covered picnic areas, playscapes, outdoor stage and restrooms. Popular for reunions and parties. Book at 830-693-3615.

LAKESIDE PARK: Waterfront park on Lake LBJ features a boat launch, tennis courts, swimming pool, basketball court and picnic area. 1 block W of Hwy 281 bridge. Book covered pavilion at 830-693-3615.

NEARBY & HILL COUNTRY-WIDE ATTRACTIONS: See Attractions

Because of the close proximity of several communities to Marble Falls, all of them surrounding Lake LBJ and Lake Marble Falls (see above list), there are many golf courses, parks and other attractions within just a few miles of Marble Falls. Some of these nearby attractions include:

BLUFFTON: LCRA PARK; LAKE BUCHANAN (Bluffton)

BURNET: AUSTIN STEAM TRAIN ASSOCIATION'S "HILL COUNTRY FLYER"; HIGHLAND LAKES AIR MUSEUM; FORT CROGHAN; DELAWARE SPRINGS GOLF COURSE (Burnet)

COTTONWOOD SHORES: THE HILL COUNTRY THEATRE (Cottonwood Shores)

HORSESHOE BAY: GRANITE BEACH RECREATION AREA; MARRIOTT RESORT & GOLF COURSES (Horseshoe Bay)

KINGSLAND: FALKENSTEIN CASTLE; INKS LAKE STATE PARK; INKS LAKE DAM NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY; LONGHORN CAVERN STATE PARK; BUCHANAN DAM; GOLF COURSES; PACKSADDLE MOUNTAIN; HISTORIC RAIL YARD COMPLEX (Kingsland)

LAKE BUCHANAN AREA: BUCHANAN DAM & MUSEUM & VISITOR CENTER; VANISHING TEXAS RIVER CRUISE; CANYON OF THE EAGLES LODGE & NATURE PARK; STATE & LCRA PARKS (Buchanan Dam)

TOW: FALL CREEK VINEYARDS/WINERY; LAKE BUCHANAN (Tow)

EVENT CALENDAR: See Chamber web site shown above. See: Festivals & Events

March-April: Bluebonnet Music & Fine Arts Festival (last weekend) Mar: Main Street Market Day (3rd Weekend)

April: Highland Lakes Fine Art & Wine Festival (1st & 2nd weekend) www.thunderbirdartists.com

April: Wine & Wildflowers Trail (winery tours); Citywide Garage Sale

May: Howdy Roo Chili Cookoff (1st weekend); MayFest (2nd weekend); Marble Falls Rodeo (3rd weekend) Lake Fest Boat Races on Lake Marble Falls.

Lake Fest Boat Races on Lake Marble Falls.

July: 4th-Fireworks in the Park; Founders Day (2nd Sat)

August: Fall Creek Vineyard Grape Stomp; LakeFest Dragboat Races (2nd weekend) (www.marblefallslakefest.com)

September: Main Street Market Day (3rd Weekend)

October: Citywide Garage Sale

November: Highland Arts Guild Fall Show; Walkway of Lights; Antiques & Collectibles Show

December: Victorian Christmas; Walkway of Lights

On-Going Events: For full details on each event see Hill Country Market Days, Trade Days, Farmers Markets: November-March: Bald Eagle Season

MAPS: Google, GeoHack

HISTORY & profiles: Handbook of Texas Online: "The falls for which the town was named were used as a landmark by travelers and were referred to as the "great falls" or the "marble falls" of the Colorado River as early as 1817. Charles S. Todd made an effort to establish a town at the falls in 1854. Several lots were sold, but few people built homes there. "Todd's village" faded before it ever really got started, and Todd's land was sold for taxes in 1880. Adam Rankin Johnson saw the falls in 1854 and also wanted to build a city at the site. His project remained a dream, however, until the 1880s. Although there was some difficulty in establishing a clear title to the land, by 1886 Johnson had succeeded in buying one-half and controlling the rest of the original Baker grant, which included the falls area. The Texas Mining and Improvement Company was chartered in June 1887; Johnson and nine others were listed as owners. It handled the business of the new town for several years. Town lots were advertised for sale in July. The Austin and Northwestern Railroad built an extension to Marble Falls from Granite Mountain in 1889. A post office was also established that year with Robert Charlton as postmaster. By 1890 the community had Methodist and Baptist churches, a cotton gin, a gristmill, a tannery, a shoe factory, three general stores, a hotel, a weekly Gazette, and 400 to 600 residents. Population estimates reached 1,800 by 1896. Marble Falls Alliance University was chartered in 1892, but it was in operation only a few years; its facilities were purchased by the public schools when an independent school district was established in 1908. The first city officials were elected in 1907, when a mayor-alderman form of government was instituted. In 1917 the all-male voting population of Marble Falls elected Orphelia (Birdie) Crosby Harwood the first woman mayor in the United States. Some improvements to the city, such as paved streets and electric street lights came in the late 1920s; others, such as sewer systems, had to wait until after the Great Depression and World War II.

The potential of the Colorado River falls as a source of power was seen by Johnson when he first arrived at the site in 1854, but it was many years before his dream was actually realized. Plans were made to harness the river at the Marble Falls site in 1871; the legislature authorized the building of a dam near Marble Falls to power a milling and manufacturing establishment, but nothing came of the project. The Marble Falls Cotton and Woolen Mills Company built a factory in 1895, but was unable to raise capital to purchase necessary machinery. A dam project was begun on the Colorado River below Marble Falls in 1910, but was not completed. Finally, in 1925 a dam was built to supply electrical power to the Marble Falls Textile Mills Company; the facility was used by Insull Companies in 1935 to supply power to the Hamilton Dam project. Max Starcke Dam, which formed Lake Marble Falls, was constructed in the early 1950s. Unfortunately, the natural falls were destroyed by the formation of the new lake, but the Marble Falls community benefited from the increased recreational and municipal water supply. Marble Falls served as the principal commercial center for numerous subdivisions and resorts that were built along the lakes after the 1960s. Population estimates for Marble Falls hovered around 1,000 during most of the first half of the twentieth century; after the late 1940s and early 1950s, however, the number of residents increased steadily. In 1940 the population was 1,021; by 1960 it was 2,161. As more people moved to the area to take advantage of lakeside subdivisions, the population and the supporting commercial center grew accordingly: Marble Falls had 2,209 residents and ninety-four businesses in the early 1970s, 3,252 residents and 210 businesses in the early 1980s, and an estimated 4,007 residents and 218 businesses in 1990. By 2000 the population reached 4,959 with 817 businesses."

DEAD MAN'S HOLE: (by Mike Cox in Texas Escapes): "The expression 'he just dropped out of sight' had both figurative and literal meaning in Burnet County during and after the Civil War. Common belief held that folks who disappeared in that area often ended up at the bottom of a 150-plus-deep foot limestone fissure south of Marble Falls aptly named 'Dead Man's Hole.' ". Discovered in 1821, this 155 foot deep cave is believed to have been the dumping place for victims hung from an oak tree over the hole. Self-guided tour, always open. SE of Marble Falls, nearer Spicewood, on CR 401 between Hwy 71 and FM 2147 E.

PRIOR NAMES: Todd's Village

AVAILABLE SERVICES: Gas: yes; Convenience Stores: yes; Restaurants: yes; Lodging: yes; Grocery Stores: yes; Banks: yes; Vehicle Repair: yes; Hospital: no; Med Clinic: yes; Post Office: yes; Public Schools: yes; Cemetery: yes

CEMETERIES:

OTHER PROFILES: Wikipedia; Podunk Profile; City Data; Texas Escapes; Travel Texas

MEDIA COVERAGE: Latest News (Topix);
Newspaper: The Highlander (www.highlandernews.com)

WEATHER: Weather Underground

NOTES:

(We welcome submission of updates, additions, corrections & digital photos, without compensation.)

BUSINESS and ORGANIZATION DIRECTORY

See City & Chamber web sites shown above. Partial list below:

BANKS

CATTLEMAN'S NATIONAL BANK: 830-693-5318; 1001 Hwy 1431 West, PO Box 820, Marble Falls, TX 78654. CattlemansNationalBank.com

CAMPS

CAMP BALCONES SPRINGS: 104 Balcones Springs Dr, #14, Marble Falls, TX 78654-3399; 830-693-6639

CAMP CHAMPIONS: 775 Camp Rd, Marble Falls, TX 78654-8251; 830-598-2571

CAMP OF THE HILLS: 1552 County Rd 344, Marble Falls, TX 78654-3459; 830-693-2580

CAMP PENIEL: 6716 FM 1431 E, Marble Falls, TX 78654-3326; 830-693-2182

CHRISTIAN HENSEL YOUTH CAMP: 7819 Singleton Bend, Marble Falls, TX 78654-3343; 512-267-9147

ENTERTAINMENT

LAKE COUNTRY LANES: 830-693-4311; Open and league bowling on 20 lanes with full service concession and snack bar. On Hwy 281 N.

LORRAINE'S: 830-798-9319; 909 3rd Street, Marble Falls, TX; www.liveatlorraines.com; Live music Thur-Sat. Night club.

O'NEIL'S SPORTS TAVERN & GRILL: 830-693-0418; 207 Main Street, Marble Falls, TX; Open 7 days a week; Live music.

ROCKHOPPER'S FAMILY FUN CENTER: 830-693-4386; 1501 Hwy 281 North, Marble Falls, TX 78654; Mini golf course, mini-bowling, arcade and game center, snack bar and other seasonal favorites. Party plans available. www.rockhoppersonline.com; info@rockhoppersonline

RODEOTOWN: 830-798-0668; On Hwy 281. Full size arena hosts roping, barrel racing, and other rodeo events nearly every weekend.

SHOW BIZ CINEMAS, DRIFTWOOD THEATER 8: Movie Line: 830-798-8463; 2600 Hwy 281 N, Marble Falls, TX 78654; Information: (830)-798-9007; Movie Schedule

UPTOWN MARBLE THEATER: 830-693-9996; 218 Main Street, Marble Falls, TX. Live entertainment venue that originally opened as a movie house in 1942. Renovated and compliments the city�s historic Main Street district and provides excellent acoustics and a comfortable setting. Venue is also available for private functions. www.uptownmarble.com

LODGING/MOTELS/ACCOMMODATIONS/GUEST HOUSES/B&B'S

Click: Marble Falls Lodging Listings and Reservation Services

PUBLIC SERVICE

ANDGELO STATE UNIVERSITY (ASU) IN THE HILL COUNTRY: 830-798-9548; 806 Steve Hawkins Pkwy, Marble Falls, TX 78654. www.angelo.edu/dept/grad_school/hillcountry

MARBLE FALLS AREA EMS: 911; www.marblefallsareaems.org

MARBLE FALLS ISD: www.mfisd.txed.net

PEC ELECTRIC SERVICE: 830-693-5525; 3105 Highway 281 N, Marble Falls, TX 78654-0750. www.pec.coop

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY AT HIGHLAND LAKES, 806 Steve Hawkins Pkwy, Marble Falls, TX 78654; 830-798-9548; www.depts.ttu.edu/hillcountry/highlandlakes.php

RESTAURANTS/DINING

BLUE BONNET CAFE: 830-693-2344; 211 Hwy 281, Marble Falls, TX 78654

CAFE 909: Marble Falls, TX. www.cafe909.com

CHILI'S GRILL & BAR: 830-798-1298; 702 1st Street, Marble Falls, TX 78654

MR. GATTI'S PIZZA: 830-693-2950; 502 U.S. 281, Marble Falls, TX. www.gattispizza.com

R BAR & GRILLE: 830-693-2622; 904 3rd Street at Main, Marble Falls, TX

RIVER CITY GRILL: 830-798-9909; 700 First Street, Marble Falls, TX; www.rivercitygrilletx.com

RUSSO'S: 830-693-7091; 602 Steve Hawkins Pkwy, Marble Falls, TX. www.texitaly.com.

SPYKE'S BAR-B-QUE: 830-385-5706; 142 Marion, Marble Falls, TX 78654

SUBWAY: 325-388-2433; 1510 Hwy 281, Suite 101, Marble Falls, TX 78654

RV PARKS

HOFBRAU RV PARK: 830-596-2073; at 102 Alpine Drive, on US 281, Marble Falls

RIVERVIEW RV PARK: 830-693-910; at 200 Old River Road, Marble Falls

SUNSET POINT ON LAKE LBJ: 830-798-8199; Located at 2322 N. Wirtz Dam Road, Marble Falls 2 mi W of Marble Falls on FM 1431. Swimming, boat ramp, fishing and day use area. Recreation room with kitchen.

MISCELLANEOUS GOODS & SERVICES

ABSOLUTE TAX: 830-220-1016; 1811-A Hwy 281 N, Suite 6, PO Box 808, Marble Falls, TX 78654

ALADDIN HOME STORE: 830-798-9800; 2901 Hwy 281 N, Marble Falls, TX 78654

BELLA MEDICAL SPA: 707 3rd Street, Marble Falls, TX 78654; 830-693-7546

BIA HIGHLAND LAKES: 830-798-2266; 1401 Broadway, Ste B1, Marble Falls, TX 78654

(THE) BOOK SHOP: 830-693-7276; 212 Main St., Marble Falls, TX 78654. www.thebookshoptexas.com

(THE) BUSINESS CENTER: 830-693-5744; PO Box 404, Marble Falls, TX 78654

CAMP BALCONES SPRINGS: 830-693-2267; 104 Balcones Springs Dr., Marble Falls, TX 78654. Women's fitness retreat.

CELEBRATION LIMO: 830-693-0800; 2300 9th Street, Marble Falls, TX. Services in the Kingsland area. Hummer-type Limo�s. www.celebrationslimo.com

FLIP N SWIM FRONT PORCH LEARNING CENTER: 830-798-2264; 2511 Hwy 281 N, Marble Falls, TX 78654

GATTIS: 325-388-6888; 4551 CR 120, Marble Falls, TX 78654

HONEY DIPPER: 830-693-8198; Marble Falls, TX. Septic pumping service

JOHNSON-SEWELL FORD MERCURY LINCOLN: 830-693-5577; 3301 N Hwy 281, Marble Falls, TX 78654

LEE HOFFPAUIR, INC: 830-693-2777; 2301 Hwy 281 N, Marble Falls, TX 78654

LONE STAR CARTS SERVICE: 830-798-2278; 2201 Hwy 281, Marble Falls. www.lonestarcarts.com. Golf and utility carts, sales, service. M-F 8-5, Sat 9-1

MARBLE FALLS ELECTRIC & AC: 830-693-5776; 1403 Resource Parkway, Marble Falls, TX 78654

MARBLE FALLS MINOR EMERGENCY CENTER: 830-798-1122; 1701 Hwy 281 N, Marble Falls, TX 78654 www.lakelbjmarina.com

(THE) MEWS: 830-693-1133; Marble Falls, TX 78654. antiquites, decoration, interior design

MUNBILLA BROADCASTING PROPERTIES: 830-693-5551; 5526 Hwy 281 N, Marble Falls, TX 78654

NORTHLAND CABLE COMPANY: 830-693-7500; 1101 Mission Drive, Marble Falls, TX 78654

OFFICE DEPOT: 830-693-1408; 1311 Mormon Mill Rd, Marble Falls, TX 78654

PRIMELENDING: 830-265-6010; 119 Avenue G, Suite 201, Marble Falls, TX 78654

QUALITY TAXI SERVICE: 830-693-9999; 911 2nd Street, Marble Falls, TX

RE/MAX MARBLE FALLS: 512-755-6789;

SATELLITE STATION FIRE & SECURITY: 830-693-2323; 116 N Hwy 281, Marble Falls, TX

SHARON's SHUTTLE SERVICE: 830-693-7989; 4843 FM 2147 W., Marble Falls, TX

SOUTHERLANDS: 830-693-9490; 2510 N US 281, Marble Falls, TX. Lumber and home improvement center

TEXAS HOME HEALTH MANAGEMENT,LP: 830-798-8272; 1100 Mission Hills Dr., Ste 100, Marble Falls, TX 78654

WISTERIA: 830-798-2477; 216 Main Street, Marble Falls, TX. Unique furniture.

ZEECON WIRELESS INTERNET: 830-798-9388; 3415 N Hwy 281, Marble Falls, TX 78654