Llano was founded in 1855 on the banks of the clear spring-fed Llano River and became the county seat in 1856. Well established by 1860 with stores, saloons, and a hotel there was no church in the rough frontier village. Llano was the last train stop for settlers heading West. Travellers heading West from Llano faced hostile Indian territory and the rough West Texas terrain.
Llano is rich with history of Indian conflicts, raids, famous outlaws, and even a family shoot out right downtown. Old railroad hotels dotted the border of the railyard and one of those hotels is still in operation today.
Llano has kept much of its frontier charm and attitude and now brands itself as "The Way Texas Used To Be." The entire downtown has been designated a National Historic District, and a comprehensive walking tour is a must for the short or long term visitor. On any given weekend visitors can see real cowboys, cowgirls, World Champion Rodeo cowboys, and even some old character right out of the Old West. No one is a stranger in Llano where "Texas Friendly" is the official language.
Llano is nationally known as the "Deer Capital of Texas" and hosts many hunters seeking the abundance of white-tailed deer in the Fall-Winter season. Year-round fishing in the picturesque Llano River and surrounding Highland Lakes area makes Llano a sportsman's dream destination.
Rockhounds from around the world descend on Llano throughout the year to hunt for the elusive "Lanite" or pan for gold in the Llano River. Llano is the official site of the yearly "State of Texas Gold Panning Championships" held in September of each year. Llano is also the home of Enchanted Rock a massive dome of solid granite famed in Indian legend; said to be a site of human sacrifice and healing. Visitors report of healings and other paranormal experiences while climbing on the massive granite outcropping.
While in Llano do not miss the Old Red Top Jail, The Historic Lantex Theater, The Llano County Museum, The Historic Railyard District, the recently remodeled Llano County Courthouse, the Inks bridge or the beautiful City parks that wind along the banks of the Llano River.
If you want to experience the "Old West" Llano is the place to be. Llano is nationally recognized as the home for some of the largest historical events and festivals including an annual "Texas Proud" Festival which features the largest reenactment competition held in the State of Texas, Llano County Heritage Days, Llano's Confederate Reunion and Cotillion, an annual Gold and Gem rendezvous, and an annual Chuckwagon cookoff. All these events are designed with the family in mind and to help preserve Llano's colorful past.
Whether you come for a day, a week, a month, or a lifetime, Llano is a destination sure to spawn fond memories for the entire family.
COMMUNITY PROFILE
2000 Census
Education
Public School Budget $16,694,884.00
School District Rating A
Average SAT Score 967
Student/Teacher Ratio Elementary 16:1 Middle School 12:1 High School 12:1
Communications
Newspapers: Llano County Journal, Llano News
Radio: Kity
Cable Television: Northland Cable
Tax Structure (Ad Valorem Property Tax (per $100 of value)
City: 0:335
County: 0:3437
County Rd.: 0:0393
School: 1.602
Air Service
Runway Length: 4,202 feet lighted
Instrument Landing System: NO Llano's first 18 wheeler
Taxi Service: NO
Car Rental: YES
Community Features
Government(Type): Mayor/Council
Planning Commission: YES
Zoning Restrictions: YES
Local Insurance Key Rate: 0:18
EMS: 31 (2 Units)
FIRE: 30 (2 Stations)
POLICE: 9 (7 cars)
Worship
Catholic: 1 Before Regulations
Protestant: 13
Climate
Annual Average Temperature: 69 degrees
Monthly Average High Temperature: 96 degrees
Monthly Average Low Temperature: 40 degrees
Annual Average Precipitation: 26 inches
Elevation: 1,040 feet above sea level
Growing Season: 229 days
Prevailing Winds: Southeast
Major Employers
Llano Memorial Hospital
Llano Independent School District
Buttery Hardware
County of Llano
City of Llano Old Llano Quarry
