Imagine a city where the echoes of the past mingle with the cheers of the present, where you can find both a major cattle-driving route from the 19th century less than a mile from a national championship facility. Welcome to Round Rock, Texas, a city that has woven a rich tapestry of history and sports, creating a unique destination for travelers.
Residents and visitors to Round Rock will run across the name “Palm Valley” in a variety of places, including a major roadway named Palm Valley Boulevard. The area is named for the Swedish settlers who left their home for the New World in the 1800s and became prominent landowners and farmers in the area. Just as these settlers helped raise Round Rock from its infancy to become a prosperous town, City leaders would envision another transformation in the 1990s with the envisioning of a state-of-the-art ballpark nestled in the historic Palm Valley area. The Round Rock Express, the Texas Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate, moved into Dell Diamond in 2000 and the community entered a bold stride into an era where Round Rock became known as the Sports Capital of Texas.
The Express were founded as a Double-A franchise by Ryan Sanders Baseball, a group made up of Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, his sons Reid and Reese, Houston businessman Don Sanders, and his sons Bret and Brad. Reid Ryan worked with former Round Rock Mayor Charlie Culpepper to build community support for the team, while simultaneously setting the wheels in motion to build Dell Diamond prior to the team’s inaugural season. The Express, since their inception, have mirrored Nolan Ryan’s values of hard work, dedication and family-friendly entertainment.
For decades, Dell Diamond has been a magnet for sports tourism, drawing in crowds for minor league baseball games, concerts and other large-scale events, reinforcing Round Rock’s status as a destination for premier sports entertainment. The town has truly come a long way since 1908, when Round Rock’s hometown baseball team results were first reported in local newspapers, or since Fred Coffe organized the town’s first Little League team in 1951. For visitors who appreciate both the game and its rich heritage, Dell Diamond offers an immersive experience into the world of baseball and its impact on the community.
Next to the Dell Diamond are two other sites that offer a serene escape into nature and history — The crown jewel of Round Rock’s outdoor facilities, Old Settlers Park, and the Old Settlers Association.
The Old Settlers Association was organized for the sole purpose of gathering up fragments of history in Williamson County and continuing them for future generations. The Old Settlers Association and RV Park property features many exceptional amenities such as RV parking, historical pioneer sites, the Palm Mansion, and the annual Old Settlers birthday celebration.
Located on 645 acres, Old Settlers Park boasts a diverse range of facilities including a disc golf course, numerous playgrounds, ample picnic areas with barbecue pits, football fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and cross-country courses. The park also offers miles of paved trails, a designated area for special events, and a fish-stocked lake. Staying true to Round Rock’s Sports Capital of Texas moniker, Old Settlers Park is also home to the 60-acre Round Rock Multipurpose Complex which hosts national tournaments for soccer, football and more. Another tournament facility, the indoor Round Rock Sports Center located on Chisholm Trail Road, is located less than two miles from the unique “round rock” that was used as a landmark for settlers on the Chisholm Trail to cross the area’s Brushy Creek and ultimately provided the city’s namesake. Since the opening of the Sports Center in 2014, sports tourism in Round Rock has generated over $148 million in economic activity.
Round Rock’s appeal as the Sports Capital of Texas goes beyond its athletic facilities or its strategic location near Austin. The city’s ability to balance modern sports amenities with rich historical context make it a unique destination. Round Rock’s parks and trails are perfect for travelers who love to explore the outdoors while delving into the historical narratives of Texas communities, making it a true home run for history and sports enthusiasts.
Other history to check out in Round Rock:
- Chisholm Trail: Round Rock is historically significant for its role in the Chisholm Trail, a major cattle-driving route in the 19th century. The trail was used to drive cattle from Texas ranches to Kansas railheads, and Round Rock’s location near Brushy Creek was a notable crossing point. The city has preserved various historical sites related to the Chisholm Trail, making it a point of interest for those studying or interested in the history of the American West.
- Sam Bass and the Train Robbery: The city is also known for its association with the infamous outlaw Sam Bass, who conducted one of his major train robberies near Round Rock in 1878. This event led to his eventual shootout and death, marking a significant moment in the history of the Wild West.
- Architectural Heritage: Round Rock has several historical buildings and structures that reflect its past, including old homes and commercial buildings, some dating back to the 19th century. These structures represent various architectural styles and eras, offering a window into the city’s development over the years.
