North to Marble Falls, Texas

North into the heart of Hill Country, we found Santa temporarily grounded due to mechanical problems.





In Johnson City we visited the boyhood home of President Lyndon B. Johnson
where he lived for 10 years and attended public school.

Downtown Johnson City.



The city was named for the pioneer Johnson family who were ancestors

of the President.  The family ranch lands surround the area.

Lunch at the Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls.  We got there in time for the
"Pie Happy Hour" which starts at 3 pm.



President George & Laura Bush enjoy eating here.



Pies are one of their specialties.

How about a plate of Texas style chicken fried steak, fried okra, homemade biscuits, cornbread and healthy salad?

 Lemon cream pie was our choice to share.

The sign confirms we are in oil country with gasoline under $3.00.

Marble Falls was named for the Colorado River waterfalls which flows over marble outcroppings. 

Texas pink granite mined from the nearby Granite Mountain was used to construct the State Capitol in Austin, TX.  A special railroad spur was constructed for this project.  These panels show all the different colors of
granite sliced from this mountain.

Granite is still quarried and shipped all over the world.

Last stop is the town of Llano which became the county seat in 1856.  The town was settled in 1842 by 600 families from Europe.

Courthouse is constructed of marble, granite and sandstone and built in 1892.

The state of Texas was orginally under Spanish & Mexican Rule.  In 1836, it became independent and formed 23 municipalities.  The state now has 254 counties which is more than any other state. 

Llano County shown in red has the 34th oldest historical courthouse.

As you might recall, in past posts we have shared many courthouse photos because we are intrigued by their architecture.