The first settlers of Hays County, Texas, were a mix of former Texans and immigrants from Georgia and Arkansas. With the arrival of the Civil War, most residents were in favor of secession. In 1862, Woods' 36th Texas Cavalry Regiment was organized at Camp Clark in neighboring Guadalupe County, with Company A mainly comprised of men from Hays County. During the war, beef from the county helped feed Confederate forces. Colonel Snyder, a Georgian, founded Hays County's first newspaper, the Pioneer, soon after the end of the war.
During Reconstruction, a Ku Klux Klan group was formed and in May 1876, a military organization called the San Marcos Greys was established. On March 1, 1848, the state legislature formed Hays County from territory that was formerly part of Travis County. The Gary Job Corps Training Center was created in 1964 on the site of the former Gary Air Base and with an increase in students enrolled at the University of San Marcos, Hays County began a period of steady growth. It went from 19,934 in 1960 to 27,642 in 1970, 40,594 in 1980 and 65,614 in 1990. The boundaries were stable for nearly a century until 1955 when more than 16,000 acres were added to Hays County. The main natural grasses are great blue trunk and Indian grass; trees native to Hays County include live oak, cedar, walnut and mesquite.
The ethnic and racial makeup of Hays County is difficult to accurately document but certain general characteristics emerge from its census history. Hays County covers an area of 693.5 square miles in south-central Texas; its county center is 98°00' west longitude and 30°00' north latitude, twenty-three miles southwest of Austin. The county remained predominantly agricultural; nearly 90 percent of farm revenues in the mid-1960s came from livestock. In 1880, Hays County's first railroad line was completed to San Marcos from Austin by the International-Great Northern Railroad; it was later extended to San Antonio. George Neill led the first herd of cattle from Hays County to Kansas in 1867 and other campaigns followed. Since 1980, Republican presidential candidates have won nearly every election until 2004. Since the turn of the century, Hays County has enjoyed a steady influx of tourists drawn to its caves, springs and resorts in Wimberley and San Marcos. Hays County is home to one of the oldest football teams in Texas: The San Marcos Greys. This team has been playing for over 140 years and is still active today.
The Greys were formed as part of a military organization during Reconstruction in May 1876. They have been playing ever since and have become an integral part of Hays County's history. The San Marcos Greys are an important part of Hays County's history and culture. They have been playing for over 140 years and are still going strong today. If you're ever in Hays County be sure to check out one of their games!.
