San Marcos, Texas is located on the San Marcos River, which rises from mammoth springs within the town. Known as “the jewel of the corridor,” the town is a popular choice for seniors who are vacationing or relocating after retirement.

San Marcos TX History

The first recorded history of non-Indian habitation was when Spanish explorers found the bubbling springs over three centuries ago. San Marcos was the site of several Spanish attempts at colonization before it became the center of Anglo-American settlement in the area. In 1755, the first attempt saw the short-lived establishment of two Spanish missions. They were relocated after flooding and persistent Indian raids. In 1848, General Edward Burleson built a log cabin on the hillside overlooking the headwaters of the San Marcos River. In 1849, he built a dam to power a gristmill thus forming Spring lake. An underwater archaeological dig in Spring Lake has uncovered Indian artifacts dating back over 12,000 years.

Southwest Texas State University, the San Marcos Baptist Academy and the Gary Job Corps Training Center now make education the single largest employer in the city. Southwest Texas State University is President Lyndon B. Johnson’s alma mater.

San Marcos Texas – Outlet Malls and Popular Tourist Town

San Marcos, Texas is a popular tourist town in the Hill Country. The San Marcos River is ranked among the world's most fertile with a profusion of both plant and aquatic life. Rafting down the San Marcos River, glass bottom boat tours at Aquarena Center, visiting Wonder Cave and the huge Outlet Mall are some of many tourist attractions to the area.