WILLIAMSON COUNTY

Commitment Carved in Stone

Joe Plunkett loves cemeteries. He is one of nearly two dozen volunteers in Williamson County who have made it their mission to repair and preserve the pieces of Texas history that our historic cemeteries represent.

Now in his fourth year with the Williamson County Cemetery Restoration Volunteers, Joe is the group’s expert on stone leveling and repair. He began his work as a weeder, the group that mows and clears brush, and, over time, he noticed little was being done to upright and level the stones. “Obelisks may be pushed over by trees, cattle, or vandals. We are an older group; and it’s no easy thing to lift stones 800 to 2,000 pounds, so some laid there for years. It is a complex job, but I am committed to it.” Joe built a portable hoist tripod that could right stones up to 2,000 pounds, and the group uses pinch bars to lift the bases.

He also has techniques to repair tablet stones, which break easily due to their shallow depth. “There are three types; limestone, marble, and granite,” Joe says. “Before the 1920s, limestone and marble were common because they were easier and cheaper to carve, but they are not as durable. We have many graves in settlements from the 1850s and they clearly show their age.”

They officially maintain 18 formerly neglected cemeteries in Williamson County, and last year, made more than 100 visitations to 23 cemeteries for grounds maintenance and stone work. Most of the time, volunteers pay their own expenses. But Joe says the County Historical Commission (WCHC) has recognized their efforts with $2,000 in donations for equipment, supplies, and signage to reflect their work at each site. Anyone can contribute to their work by donating to the WCHC and including the group in the memo/message.

Facebook/ WilliamsonCounty CemeteryRestorationVolunteers

A PASSION FOR HISTORY

Joe and the team have a unique perspective on the history of the county as well as small towns that are little more than a crossroad or a mention on a map. He notes these cemeteries are not abandoned, just neglected, and connect us to the earliest residents of the area. For instance, the community of Gabriel Mills was absorbed into the City of Liberty Hill nearly a century ago, but the graves remain, despite being forgotten by everyone but the Restoration crew. “All these little towns and communities have a history, and the work fascinates us, particularly when descendants come out to help. Those moments bring it all home and maintain our connections between the living and the past.”

The CRV welcomes anyone who wishes to volunteer to help with the “yard work” of this labor of love. Contact the Williamson County Historical Society (WilcoHistory. org) for opportunities, or email WilcoCRV@gmail.com.

Photos courtesy of Joe Plunkett. Top: Leveling a stone at Davis Cemetery in Leander • Left: Connell Family tomb cover at Bear Creek

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Always Something New at Inner Space Cavern

The cave at Inner Space Cavern has changed slowly over several million years but, today, even if you have been on a tour before, there is something new to see and do nearly every month.

The cave was discovered in 1963 when surveyors bored into bedrock at the future site of IH-35. Had they drilled the first hole 50 feet away, we may never have known about the wonders beneath that provide fascinating opportunities for education and amateur exploring.

ACTIVITIES BELOW

There are three underground tours, depending on your preference for visuals and adventure. Plus, no matter how many times you take the tour, you’re certain to see, perhaps, a tiny and delicate formation, or unique feature on a huge rock flow for the first time. There’s so much detail, you simply can’t see it all in one trip—cave bacon, anyone?

The Adventure Tour is a guided walk on a paved and lighted trail to see the largest formations and the most decorated rooms. For more rugged types, the Hidden Passages tour provides guests with a flashlight to explore delicate formations in a newly-opened section of the cave. This undeveloped trail allows visitors a closer and more intimate view of the underground.

If you’re ready to channel your inner Indiana Jones, the Wild Cave Tour is a genuine spelunking experience— crawling and squeezing deep underground into tight spots, outfitted with headlamp and body pads. Cavers are rewarded with views of beautiful formations and large decorated rooms.

Regardless of your preference, the caves are always a cozy 72°, making them a good choice for year-round fun.

FAMILY FUN

There are also many things to do at Inner Space if you prefer sunshine to sinkholes. Visitors can try their hand with the sluice to pan for gemstones, rare stones, and maybe even a fossil or two.

This is also the International Year of Caves and Karst, and expert staff have new projects and special events and projects every month to celebrate. Visit the website for activities, Home School and group tours, and special pricing for weekday tours.

THE SABER TOOTH zip ride will provide passengers a bird’s-eye look of the Inner Space site, the cave entrance, and views of everything from Georgetown to Austin.

WHAT’S NEW?

The best new thing at the cavern is actually 130 feet in the air. General Manager Taunya Vessels says the Cavern’s new zip ride, The Saber Tooth, should be operational by mid-March and is certain to be a breathtaking family experience. “While it is part of our Inner Space experience, it is separate from our cave tours and packs plenty of excitement in a four-minute thrill-ride. We hope it will become a new family destination, for all of Central Texas.”

The zip ride, which looks similar to a ski lift, begins on the south end of the property, lifts two passengers backward—facing south, for spectacular views of Round Rock and Pflugerville—then slopes them gently to the ground 630 feet away.

Taunya is also particularly proud of the new logo (above), designed by Round Rock senior and future UT art major, Addie Hall. The Saber Tooth will also be managed and marketed by Maddie Brand, who began working at the cavern in high school, and has now made it her career.

Check the website for opening day information or visit Inner Space at 4200 S. I-35 Frontage Rd. in Georgetown.

InnerSpaceCavern.com • 512-931-2283