Tow, Texas facts for kids

Tow (pronounced like "cow") is a small community in Llano County, Texas, United States. It's not a city with its own government, which is why it's called an unincorporated community. In 2010, about 1,249 people lived there.

Tow was once a busy place. But a big drought hit central Texas in 2007. This dry spell caused many people to leave. About half of the population moved away. Many local businesses had to close their doors. By 2018, things started to look up. The nearby lake filled with water again. This helped businesses reopen. The community became more active.

Where is Tow Located?

Tow is found on Ranch to Market Road 2241. It's about 61 miles (98 km) northwest of Austin. It's also 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Llano. Tow sits right on the western shore of Lake Buchanan.

Tow's Weather

The weather in Tow is usually hot and humid in summer. Winters are generally mild or cool. According to climate experts, Tow has a humid subtropical climate. This means it gets plenty of rain all year. It also has warm temperatures for most of the year.

A Look at Tow's History

Tow is the oldest community in Llano County. Its story began in 1852. That's when David and Gideon Cowan arrived. They came with their mother, Ruth, from Tennessee. Local Native Americans showed the Cowans a special place. It was a salt bed near the Colorado River.

The Cowans started a successful business there. They made salt. This business was very important for the local economy. It was even known as the Confederate States of America Salt Works. This was because it helped the Confederate side during the American Civil War. Sadly, a big storm called the "salt works cyclone" destroyed the operation in 1871.

In 1853, John F. Morgan and his family moved to the area. He soon started a hat business. He used beaver and other fur from animals trapped nearby. Later that same year, the Tow brothers, William and Wilson, arrived. They settled in a nearby area. They named it Tow Valley.

A post office was set up in Tow in 1886. Mathew B. Clendenen became the first postmaster. Tow grew a lot in the 1970s and 1980s. More people came to retire or enjoy recreation. Before 1950, only about 50 people lived there. By 1974, the lakeside town had 305 residents. It had a post office and many businesses. In 2000, the population was still 305. There were 31 businesses reported.

Tow's Population Facts

Tow was first counted as a special census area in 2020. This means it was officially recognized for the 2020 U.S. Census.

Tow's 2020 Census Details

In 2020, Tow had a population of 226 people. Most residents were White. A small number of people identified as mixed race or Hispanic/Latino.

Learning in Tow

Students in Tow go to school in the Llano Independent School District. This is the same district that serves other small towns near Llano. However, some parts of Tow are served by the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District.