Blowout, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Blowout
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 Blowout
Location in Texas
Blowout
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Blanco |
| Elevation | 1,263 ft (385 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1379432 |
Blowout is a small, unincorporated community in Blanco County, Texas, United States. An unincorporated community is a place that doesn't have its own local government. Instead, it's usually managed by the county. Today, only a few scattered houses remain in this historic area.
Contents
History of Blowout
Early Settlers Arrive
The story of Blowout began in 1854. About two dozen families, known as homesteaders, moved to this area. They came all the way from Kentucky looking for new land. These early settlers made their homes on the east side of Comanche Creek. They settled near a place called Comanche Spring. This spot was about three miles downstream from where the creek started.
As time went on, more people arrived and settled further upstream. This helped the small settlement grow into a community. The area was known for its rocky hills and natural beauty.
How Blowout Got Its Name
The name "Blowout" has a very interesting origin story! It's said to come from a huge explosion that happened in a nearby cave. This cave was called Blowout Cave. It was located on the east side of Comanche Creek.
The cave was home to about 1,000 bats. Over time, gases like ammonia built up inside the cave from bat guano (bat droppings). One day, lightning struck the mouth of the cave. This spark caused the built-up gases to explode! That's how the cave, and later the community, got its unique name.
Life and Business in Blowout
By 1875, Blowout was a busy little community. It had several businesses that served the local residents. A post office was set up in Blowout that same year. This meant people could send and receive mail right in their own community.
The post office stayed open until 1918. Mail was delivered from Fredericksburg and Willow City. Sometimes, mail also came from nearby Burnet. There were a few times when mail delivery faced challenges. Once, heavy rains caused creeks and rivers to flood, making it hard for carriers to travel. Another time, there were problems with the mail carrier, which caused a brief stop in service.
Settlers in Blowout also found a unique way to earn money. They sold large wagon loads of bat guano. This was used as fertilizer to help crops grow.
The Gold Rush of 1896
Just when the community's growth seemed to slow down, something exciting happened! In 1896, a local rancher named Frank Lacy made an amazing discovery. He found gold in a nearby creek!
This discovery caused a "gold rush" in Blowout. People from all over rushed to the community, hoping to find their own fortunes. This brought new life and excitement to the area for a time.
Geography
Blowout is located about 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Johnson City. It sits in the northwestern part of Blanco County. The area is known for its scenic, rocky hills.
Education
Students living in Blowout attend schools in the Johnson City Independent School District. This district provides education for children in the area.
Media
Blowout is home to a radio station called KTSN-FM. You can tune in to KTSN-FM at 88.9 FM. It broadcasts to the community and surrounding areas.
