What Makes Texas "Texas"?: The Romance of Town Squares

The concept of the "town square" has served as a vital component of urban life since long before European explorers adapted it for use in American settlements. Dating back to the Bronze Age, these squares have consistently served as vibrant centers of activity — a place for communities to come together to celebrate, exchange information, conduct business, or simply relish the lively atmosphere and unique lifestyles of their region.

While many urban areas in America have transformed their town squares into commercial spaces like Walmarts or public art collections, the town and city squares in most parts of suburban and rural Texas have retained their historical significance. They continue to serve as not only hubs for food and entertainment but also as important connections to our collective past.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND

In the late 17th century, Spain was busy creating settlements in the American southwest, and in 1718 the first Spanish-speaking settlers began to group around the San Antonio River. At that time, the Spanish Empire decreed that every town it started had to have a central square, so our earliest towns and cities followed suit with the tradition of the ancients.

Later, other European immigrants built squares according to their own traditions, primarily to nurture townships and for neighbors to see and help each other through harsh winters. Over time, civic interaction began to spring up organically as the earliest town squares were gathering spaces located at the geographic center of the town, which allowed settlers and visitors alike to reach and benefit from the aggregate activity.

Even government took place in the square, where citizens were already present, until city halls and courthouses were constructed.

LOCAL CENTERS

Many of our Williamson County squares filled those social and government needs for their communities until growth began to stretch beyond the downtown areas and outlier residents found retail, services, and restaurants closer to home. Building owners in the 1950s and 60s modernized their facades by covering the historic architecture with stucco and other material so, by the 1970s, many had lost their previous Victorian beauty. But, as new construction costs rose, renewal of historic sites became profitable and Texas' Main Street program helped transition many buildings back to their former glory, creating an ‘old town’ ambiance that has been attracting tourists and foot traffic once again.

TODAY'S DOWNTOWNS

When technology took off, mainstream and social media created an environment that provided information at our fingertips, so we no longer need the town square for news or to conduct business. However, as the 21st century marches on, our reasons for visiting local squares have returned, somewhat, to what they were 150 years ago — buying fresh produce and artisan products, enjoying festivals, dining and celebrating, days out with the family, and passive people watching. Consequently, the modern square has re-emerged as a place for residents and visitors to be intentional about gathering in person for celebrations and civic discussion. And, as squares are reborn, they become physical magnets for social gatherings that are more important than ever.

Sadly, many of our state's majestic courthouses look out over empty storefronts. But, unlike big cities, a vibrant town square can really exist only in a small town, a place compact enough to have a single focus, and with the help of the Main Street program, Shop Small Saturdays, and similar campaigns, many are making a comeback. While Jarrell does not have an official square or historic courthouse, its inaugural A Very Merry Jarrell festival this Christmas is set to be the first step toward revitalizing the downtown and turning Jarrell into a community gathering destination.

Having a 'town square' is not unique to Texas but many of its details reflect the priorities and personality of those who settled the Lone Star State. While squares in New England are typically centered around a little white church with a steeple and a bell, most Texas squares grew up and still celebrate a large and very grand courthouse.