Bull Creek (Texas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bull Creek |
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| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Colorado River |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 36,000 acres (150 km2) |
Bull Creek is a cool stream that flows into the Colorado River in Texas. It starts in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. This creek runs through some of the prettiest parts of Austin. It creates a special "greenbelt" area. A greenbelt is a natural space kept for recreation and wildlife. This greenbelt is a home for many local plants and animals. The creek flows past steep hills. These hills have shallow clay soil. Different kinds of trees like ashe juniper and live oak grow there. You can also find mesquite trees and grasses.
Bull Creek begins in northern Travis County. It flows about 12 miles (19 kilometers) southeast. It goes through Austin until it reaches Lake Austin. There, it joins the Colorado River. Parts of the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge are located near Bull Creek. This refuge helps protect wildlife.
Fun Things to Do at Bull Creek
Bull Creek is a great place for outdoor fun! There are parks and hiking trails along its banks. The Bull Creek Trail is perfect for hiking and swimming. Bull Creek District Park is a popular spot. It is easy to get to from Capital of Texas Highway. St. Edwards Park offers a more quiet experience. You can explore nature and enjoy the water.
The Story of Bull Creek
People have used the Bull Creek area for a very long time. Studies show that people lived here thousands of years ago. They were here from the "Early Archaic" to the "Late Prehistoric" times.
One of the first Anglo families to settle here was the Preece family. Will Preece, his wife Elizabeth, and their sons Richard (Dick) and Will Jr. moved here around 1838. Both sons later became Texas Rangers. The Preece family owned a lot of land. It stretched from Lake Travis to Cedar Park.
The name "Bull Creek" comes from a story about a buffalo (often called a "bull") being killed here. Some say Will Preece killed it. Others say his son Dick did. The Preece ranch was also near the "Comanche Trail." This was a path used by the Comanche people. Dick Preece, as a Texas Ranger, helped protect settlers from conflicts with the Comanche.
During the American Civil War, the Preece family did not support leaving the Union. Many people in Travis County felt the same way. The remote areas and caves of Bull Creek became a hiding place. People who supported the Union used it to resist the Confederacy. After the war, a part of the famous Chisholm Trail passed near Dick Preece's house. The Chisholm Trail was a route for moving cattle.
Dick Preece passed away in 1919. He was buried along West Bull Creek. His grave is at the Preece cemetery in Austin. The University of Texas has a collection of his papers. These papers tell about his life as a soldier and a rancher.
In 1846, a group of Mormons built one of Travis County's oldest roads. This road followed Bull Creek. Today, parts of it are scenic drives like Lakewood Drive. Most of the original road is now under Loop 360.
Recently, the City of Austin has been working to make the greenbelt bigger. They are trying to buy more land along Bull Creek. This will help protect more of this special natural area.
