Founded in 1887 by General Adam R. Johnson, Marble Falls is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country on the Colorado River. Before the dam was built to form Lake Marble Falls, water cascaded over 20-foot ledges which resembled marble, providing a name for the new city. The falls are now underwater and only visible on those rare occasions when the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) lowers the lake for repairs to the dam and boat docks.

The first city officials were elected in 1907 when a mayor-alderman form of government was instituted. In 1917, Ophelia “Birdie” Crosby Harwood was elected mayor - thus becoming the first woman mayor in the United States to be elected by an all male electorate.

However, it was the 866-foot stone monolith called Granite Mountain looming on the town’s western edge that secured Marble Falls’ place in Texas history. It was here that the famed “Texas Pink” granite was quarried to construct the Texas State Capitol Building in Austin. The stone was a donation from progressive area citizens in exchange for a rail connection with Austin. The Austin and Northwestern Railroad built an extension to Marble Falls from Granite Mountain in 1889, and a post office was also established that year. Granite Mountain is still actively quarried, and a variety of granite products are shipped all over the world.

Today, it is the natural setting of lakes and hills that makes the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ area one of the most attractive and popular tourist and retirement destinations in all of Texas. When exploring Marble Falls, do not miss these amazing sites: The Marble Falls Depot, Granite Mountain, Governor O.M. Roberts home, Hills of Home Memorial, Otto Ebeling House, Christian-Matern House, The Roper House, the old Post Office Building, Liberty Hall, Hardin-Ussery House, Brandt Badger House, the Marble Falls Alliance University, the Marble Falls Factory Site and Dead Man’s Hole.

HARDIN-USSERY HOUSE: 700 Main Street. This grand two-story house was constructed in 1892, and served as a private residence until 1993. It has undergone restoration and now houses a shop offering gifts and collectibles.

BRANDT BADGER HOUSE: South Fourth Street, between Avenue M and N Streets. Built in 1888 with stones from Granite Mountain that were cut from the quarry rubble remaining after the shaping of the blocks used in the state capitol.

LIBERTY HALL: 119 Avenue G. Adam G. Johnson’s home, an elegant, three-story 1887 mansion.The 7,000-square-foot house faces south, which provided the Johnsons with a spectacular view of the waterfalls that gave the town its name.

MARBLE FALLS ALLIANCE UNIVERSITY: 2001 Broadway. Part of Adam Johnson’s master plan for Marble Falls included a university.

MARBLE FALLS FACTORY SITE: This site is on US 281, just north of the Colorado River Bridge on Lake Marble Falls.

POST OFFICE BUILDING: 115 Main Street. The original Marble Falls Post Office was established in 1884, and was located on the south side of the Colorado River. This building was constructed in 1910.

THE ROPER HOUSE: 707 Third Street at US 281. George C. and Elizabeth Roper constructed this double galleried hotel building around 1888.

Our Favorite Marble Falls Retail:

Salem's Designer Jewelry & Gifts (distinctive designer jewelry with the beauty and patience only achieved in the Hill Country)

Beaver Creek Beads (to make your own jewelry or to take a fun class)

GG Ganache (a can't miss gift and interior boutique)

The Texas Hill Country is so full of treasures, nooks and niches the Texas Hill Country is famous for historical towns, breathtaking vistas, charming bed & breakfasts, and amazing and rare food, shopping and fun. From nearby Dripping Springs just ten minutes away, to the artistic town of Wimberley to our South, or to the quaint town of Brenham, you’ll find endless enjoyment. Grab a map, get a friend, and get out and explore the rolling hills full of unforgettable memories and delights.

We recommend a stay in the unique Pony Motel, located midway between Austin and Houston in Brenham, TX. Brenham was established in 1844 and is the perfect country town to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildflowers. Overnight lodging at the Pony Motel is for travelers with their horses...or, simply travelers who want to enjoy a quiet country getaway! Tucked away upstairs in their cedar wood barn is a fully built-out apartment for overnight guests that they call the "Loft". Enjoy the breathtaking sunrises and magnificent sunsets in a country setting. They'll even have some Blue Bell ice cream for you!

Another amazing hill country day trip is the charming, artistic town of Wimberley, TX. Leave your city worries behind and take a hill country drive for a relaxing weekend in Wimberley. Wimberley is located approximately 45 minutes south of Austin. The drive to Wimberley from Austin is scenic and lovely. The Texas Hill Country is unique and special, and the Wimberley Valley is nestled right in the heart of it all. Visitors come to our beautiful valley to enjoy the cool shaded quietness of our cypress-lined streams or the splendor of our Hill Country vistas or just the relaxed, laid back atmosphere of our slower pace. After arriving, however, they find that there is so much more to Wimberley beyond the charming friendliness they encounter. There are activities for the whole family there. Be sure to visit our favorites vendors, Aunt Jenny's Attic for a year-round Christmas store full of creative gifts and European collectibles, found right on the main square, and the Cedar Chest, found on RR 12.