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  Texas : Towns A-Z / Hill Country :

FLORENCE, TEXAS

Williamson County, Texas Hill Country
FM 195
45 miles N of Austin
18 miles N of Georgetown
19 miles SW of Salado
35 miles SW of Temple
Population 1,054 (2000)

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Florence, Texas police station
The Florence Police Station

Photo courtesy Hannalore Lyons, September, 2004
History in a Pecan Shell

Briefly called Brooksville, the community dates from the early 1850s. The name change came about with the opening of the post office in 1857. The first postmaster was from Florence, Alabama although Florence Brooks, the daughter of the town's first merchant is also considered to be the source of the name.

After the Civil War, wheat, cotton and cattle were the town's economic mainstays, and by the 1890s the town was prospering with the stores, mills, hotels, and lodges typical of a central Texas town on the rise. Untypical businesses included a stone quarry and a cheese factory.

A short line railroad (the Bartlett and Western Railway) was in operation from 1912 until 1935.

Its population reached 1,000 people - just before the Great Depression - when it fell below 500. It has, in the last few years, surpassed the previous record.

Florence Texas Forum

Our thanks to Hannalore Lyons for suggesting Florence's inclusion.
Anyone wishing to share stories, memories or historic photos of Florence, Texas, please contact us.
© John Troesser

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