Leander, TX

The City of Leander was first settled in the 1840s by veterans of the Texas Revolution, eventually forming Bagdad in 1855—a stop on the Austin‑Lampasas stage line.

In 1882, the Austin & Northwestern Railroad set up a railway station, giving birth to Leander, named after railroad official Leander “Catfish” Brown.

Originally a rural farming community with fewer than 400 residents in the 1890s, Leander officially incorporated in 1978. Growth accelerated in the 1990s, and today it's a booming suburb of Austin with over 80,000 residents.

One of the area’s most intriguing archaeological finds is the Leanderthal Lady, a 10,000–13,000-year-old prehistoric skeleton found in 1983—the earliest intact burial discovered in the U.S. There is a Leanderthal Lady Historic Marker which commemorates the discovery onsite while the remains are preserved at UT Austin’s archeological lab.

When visiting Leander, be sure to check out the dinosaur tracks. Around a dozen Acrocanthosaurus footprints from ~110–113 million years ago are visible near the South Fork San Gabriel River, just west of Hwy 183 bridge. The Bagdad Cemetery opened in 1857 and is the resting place of early settlers and Civil War veterans, including Leander’s first postmaster. The Pickle‑Mason House established in 1871 was built by carpenter Andrew Porter Pickle for his large family, showcasing skilled period woodworking.

Leander also has many outdoor experiences. Devine Lake Park is a 45-acre scenic lake park ideal for fishing, kayaking, bird‑watching, hiking trails, and picnics. Southwest Williamson County Regional Park is home to the Quarry Splash Pad, a splash‑pad playground for hot summer days. Benbrook Ranch Park offers sports fields, disc golf, and hiking/biking trails in a natural setting

Leander offers a delightful mix of archaeology, pioneer heritage, modern art experiences, and outdoor recreation—all within a short drive of Austin. Whether you're exploring its prehistoric roots or enjoying today’s community vibe, there’s something here for history buffs, families, and adventurers alike.

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