Finding New Love for an Old City in Georgetown

By Celia Sampaio

Georgetown used to be a city that kept to itself, took care of its own and flew under the radar for the most part. Now it’s the fastest growing city in the United States, so what has changed?

Deemed the “Red Poppy” capital because of the flowers’ wild and lush growth around the town, Georgetown, Texas, is a city that sprawls just under 60 square miles and is a 35-minute drive north of Austin. A city that for decades has experienced slow, almost unnoticeable growth. That isn’t the case anymore, as Georgetown’s population has increased by more than 12,000 since 2015, and the number is nowhere near stopping. It’s homey atmosphere, dazzling architecture, and citizen authenticity may have something to do with it.

Georgetown was already home to some before it was an established city, housing the Tonkawa Indians and their village on the land that was to be the future Georgetown. Yet, it wasn’t until the arrival of George Washington Glasscock in 1848, who donated the land, that the area was then deemed the city of Georgetown in his honor.

People from around the United States packed up and traveled to Georgetown with the promise of good water, cheap land, and fertile soil, the ultimate trifecta for the soon-to-be tremendous growth of a new town. Swedish settlers got word and came to Georgetown in the 1850s, followed by the German, Swiss and Austrian immigrants in the ’70s. Moravian and Czech settlers came in last place in the international race to Georgetown, arriving in the 1880s.

The rich history of Georgetown had begun.

Though Georgetown has seen an immense population boom in both the 1980s to ’90s as well as currently, the city has done its best to keep the true nature and historic feel of the town’s original buildings. On the long-standing town square there’s almost a tangible history to the air. The buildings have a unique and untouched 19th-century look, allowing people to imagine what Georgetown used to be.

Georgetown often goes to great lengths to keep the original architecture and true history from the 1800’s, but these efforts may be a bit awry according to Hope Cheatham, a local who was born and raised in Georgetown.

“[Georgetown] does have kind of a problematic history. Like on the square, there’s like a Confederate statue,” said Cheatham. She said that in the summer of 2020, “there was like protests going on about the statue, trying to get the town to remove it.”

“And it hasn’t been removed,” she said.

Georgetown may have a misguided idea on how to hold on to the past, but Cheatham believes that with town’s newfound growth, Georgetown can be nudged in the right direction.

“But I hope that with the younger generations moving in, that hopefully those changes can be made,” said Cheatham.

Even without that upcoming change, Georgetown still has an undeniable charm and a well-preserved historic atmosphere. This, along with the town’s efforts to put on city-wide events that promote the art and culture of the town partially explain why the population has and currently is growing so much.

Cheatham is aware that Georgetown’s proximity to Austin has prompted the growth. She said she noticed an increase in nightlife, most likely in order to attract the younger demographic from Austin.

“A lot of new stores have come in and it seems like they’re owned by younger people. Like there’s more bars, before there weren’t really any bars,” said Cheatham.

Georgetown’s accessibility to Austin isn’t the only reason the town is growing, Cheatham says what she believes to be vital to Georgetown’s likability.

“It’s just a nice access to nature and shopping and things that I feel like are a pretty fulfilling life,” said Cheatham.

Cheatham grew up in Georgetown with her family and understood the familial culture around the town. She said that she is and always was aware that Georgetown historically has been a town known for starting a family. So, the influx of a younger crowd was a nice change, said Cheatham.

This change in Georgetown, paired with the city’s attempts to keep the historical feel make for an educational and relaxing weekend getaway. Grab a bite at the notorious Monument Café, heavily recommended by Cheatham, and then walk just two blocks to the town square for wine or shopping, or both.

The genuineness of the residents and inviting ambience makes visitors feel at home, even though they’re not.

Mikaela Medina, a new teacher at Annie Purl Elementary, recounts her first visit to Georgetown.

“I remember when I went for my job interview, I was kind of just taken aback by the charm,” said Medina.

Medina continued that she understands why the town has grown so much and sees what brings new residents and visitors alike to Georgetown.

“Definitely the charm. I think the square does it for a lot of people. It has a bunch of small, local business, which is my favorite. There’s also not a lot of skyscrapers which is nice… and there is also a good amount of nature,” said Medina.

Medina agreed with Cheatham about the shopping and nature in Georgetown, both seeing the appeal of the city and why people may be enticed to visit.

A visit to Georgetown may be best for a history lover. The town’s past is more apparent in the town square through its century old architecture. Its history is an incredibly important part to the town, and a must-see according to Medina.

“They’re trying really intensely to keep their ties to like, their 19th century history… I think that’s so beautiful,” said Medina.

Its deep culture, history, community, and help-thy-neighbor attitude prove it should be no shock that the population has erupted.

With Georgetown’s helpful closeness to Austin that aids its expansion, the town has an almost unlimited resource to further expand its population. That advantage, along with the town’s weekend-getaway atmosphere and history buff’s fantasy land, who’s to say when this massive growth will stop?