Explore the History of Thrall – Railroads, Oil, and a Pattern of Slow, Steady Growrh

Founded in 1876 as a railroad station on the International-Great Northern line, the city was initially called Stiles Switch after a family that owned significant real estate and operated a ranch on the site. In 1901, a post office opened and the city was re-named Thrall to honor the Reverend Homer S. Thrall, a local real estate owner, Methodist minister and historian who was greatly admired and respected by local settlers and residents.

In 1915, the economic “boom” from the discovery of oil on farms and nearby real estate resulted in 200 wells being drilled. The population reached an all-time high, but as the oil boom faded, the population leveled off at about 300. Thrall has grown slowly since 1930 and today it’s still projected to grow at an even, steady pace.

Childhood Memories are made in Highly Regarded Schools and Nearby Parks

Wide-open real estate abounds in Thrall and many residents consider their own large parcels of real estate as their own private parks for their children to play in a safe environment. There really is nothing else quite like making your home on a big spread in a small town.

But when the mood strikes for a change of scenery, homeowners drive just a few minutes west to neighboring Taylor for an enjoyable day of outdoor recreation and fun in Taylors’ Murphy Park and Fannie Robinson Park. Murphy Park has 120 acres of real estate dotted with playgrounds, hike and bike trails, bird watching, and a fishing pond. Fannie Robinson Park, spreading over 55-acres, offers ball courts, hike and bike trails, swimming pools, picnic areas, a pavilion and playscapes.

In addition to looking back fondly at childhood memories made in the nearby parks, folks who’ve grown up here are proud of the local schools. And with good reason. Students here are served by the Thrall Independent School District, which has been recognized at the state level for both academic and athletic accomplishments. The Texas Education Agency 2013 Accountability Report says that the Thrall schools met all standards and exceeded performance targets. Homeowners and their children are extremely satisfied with the student-focused schools.

Retail Roundup: Thrall Area Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

In addition to the handful of locally owned stores and shops in Thrall, nearby Taylor features convenient shopping at HEB Plus, Walmart Supercenter, Sears and Bealls. For an even greater number of retail options, Round Rock is less than 30 minutes away. In addition to a wide variety of stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, the Round Rock Premium Outlets Mall has 125 stores and restaurants featuring a wide selection of famous brands at bargain prices.

Another popular retail destination is Wolf Ranch Town Center in Georgetown, about a 35 minute drive. This open-air community center is home to over 80 retail stores and restaurants including Bath & Body Works, Kohl’s, Michael’s, Best Buy, Dressbarn, DSW, Lane Bryant, Loft, Old Navy, Office Depot, Pier One, PetSmart, Rack Room Shoes, Sally Beauty Supply, Target, TJ Maxx, and Yankee Candle Company. Some of the more popular restaurants include Firehouse Subs, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Longhorn Steakhouse, Mama Fu’s Asian House, McAlister’s Deli, Milano Trattoria Pizza & Pasta, Smokey Mo’s Bar-B-Q, Souper Salad, Starbucks and Panda Express.

Thrall has a handful of local cafes, but resident’s head to Taylor for a greater variety of restaurants. Taylor boasts several popular locally owned restaurants like Louie Mueller Barbecue, Café Lafayette Cajun food, Mas Fajitas Mexican food, and Randy’s Icehouse with burgers and bar food. Taylor also hosts several national chains and fast food places. For convenient entertainment, residents go to Taylor to catch movies at the Howard Theatre- a historical theater with two screens.

Experience the Special and Unique Feeling of Coming Home to Thrall

Good people, clean air and a relaxed country lifestyle are a few of the charms area residents love about Thrall. More and more, home buyers are attracted to the small town’s reasonable commute to Austin, Round Rock and Georgetown, as well as the affordably priced real estate listings for sale. And once they move here, newcomers find they fit right in.

“We all know each other and we know everyone’s kids,” says Rachael Stolte. “We enjoy living in a small, safe town where we can all look out for one another. At the end of the day, we all know that we truly care about each other and that is a very special and unique feeling. It is obvious that there is no place like home.”

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