Round Rock’s history runs deep — and an easy, accessible way to explore it is available to the public.
Since its launch in 2022, the Historic Landmarks Explorer has served as a dynamic tool for residents and visitors alike to discover the many layers of Round Rock’s past. This interactive map showcases more than 100 historic sites, buildings, districts and markers across the city. From prominent landmarks downtown to lesser-known treasures tucked into neighborhoods, the Explorer offers a detailed, engaging look at Round Rock’s architectural and cultural heritage.
View the Historic Landmarks Explorer
Many of the sites featured date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, with the Historic Downtown District serving as a focal point. Along East Main Street and South Mays, buildings like the Old Broom Factory, Otto Reinke Building and Masonic Lodge/Old Post Office stand as lasting examples of the limestone construction and craftsmanship that defined early commercial development. The tool also highlights architecturally significant residences, including the stately Nelson-Crier House (Woodbine Mansion), the Capt. Nelson Merrell House and frontier-style homes like the Palm House Museum — Round Rock’s oldest building on Main Street, relocated from the Palm Valley area.
Users can use the explorer to learn how the expansion of the railroad spurred the growth of “New Town” (now Downtown), how facades were updated over the decades, and how certain architectural styles reflect broader historical trends, such as the pressed tin fronts popular in the early 1900s. Historical markers — some issued by the Texas Historical Commission and others added locally — provide context about people, events and structures that shaped the city. These include the Sam Bass Death Site, the Baylor Bus Crash Memorial and the “round rock” itself, which marked the low-water crossing of the Chisholm Trail and gave the city its name.
Check out the video below to learn more about the tool:
Explore Round Rock’s history with online interactive map – City of Round Rock
