Like many Texas cities, Taylor was originally a settlement of German and Slavic communities. Anticipating the construction of the railroad, Texas Land Company began designing a town in 1876. It was named Taylor Station after a contemporary official of the International & Great Northern Railroad: Edward Moses Taylor. The town adopted a mayor-council form of city government in 1882, and in 1884, the city fathers changed the name to the City of Taylor. An important rail shipping center, Taylor quickly became a pivotal point for moving cattle, cotton and grain.

Taylor’s first test came in February of 1879, when a fire destroyed most of the frame structures. But, this city responded heartily, replacing the destroyed buildings with the brick and stone structures that boldly stand today.

Taylor didn’t get discouraged when fire destroyed the town, and it certainly wasn’t going to let a little water dampen its spirit when the worst flood in local history dumped 23 inches of rain in a 24-hour period, (second only to Thrall’s 38 inches) in 1921. It was another test, but Taylor forged on.

In 1884, the dog pound was established when a 12-year-old boy was paid 25 cents for each stray dog he could round up. The city marshall then sold the dogs back to their owners for $1, along with a numbered brass dog tag. The revenue was collected and used to complete the city’s first sewer system. Now, that’s innovative thinking.

Taylor’s first cotton gin was built in 1877, quickly establishing the community as a Central Texas agricultural hub. Cotton has been one of the mainstays of Taylor’s economy since the early 1800s. Its rich soil and the skilled farmers made Williamson County a leading cotton producer.

By 1940, the population of Taylor was 7,875, and thanks to light manufacturing during the 1970s and 1980s, the city grew to 11,472 by 1990 and hit 13,575 in 2000. As of January 1, 2008, Taylor’s population was 17,663. The steady growth of almost four percent over the last decade has guided community leaders in proactive growth management.

In 1952, the community demonstrated its gusto, intelligence and honesty when leaders recognized Dr. James Dickey as its Outstanding Citizen of the Year. The event made news in TIME magazine and The Saturday Evening Post, because even then, during a time of racial segregation and strife in the South, Taylor was appreciating its diversity and lauding the achievements of an African-American leader.

Today, Taylor’s diverse cultures, including people of African American, Hispanic and Asian heritage, are contributing to its lively and creative energy.