Wells Branch, Texas
Wells Branch: A Thriving Community in North Austin
Wells Branch is a census-designated place located in Travis County, Texas. Known for its community spirit and excellent amenities, Wells Branch offers residents a suburban lifestyle with easy access to Austin's urban attractions.
Common Trees in Wells Branch
The landscape of Wells Branch features a variety of native trees:
- Cedar Elms: Known for their resilience to drought, these trees thrive in the local climate.
- Eastern Redbuds: These small trees bloom with vibrant pink flowers in spring, adding color to the landscape.
- Live Oaks: These iconic evergreens provide ample shade and are a staple in Texas landscapes.
- Southern Red Oaks: With their distinctive reddish-brown bark, these trees add character to the area.
- Bur Oaks: Large and sturdy, these trees offer shade and habitat for wildlife.
Seasonal Changes in Wells Branch's Landscape
From an arborist's perspective, the seasonal changes in Wells Branch are quite distinct:
Spring: Eastern Redbuds bloom, and Live Oaks shed old leaves as new growth emerges.
Summer: Trees focus on growth and water conservation during the hot months.
Fall: Deciduous trees like Cedar Elms and Southern Red Oaks display autumn colors before shedding leaves.
Winter: Trees enter dormancy, making it an ideal time for pruning and maintenance.
Places to Visit in Wells Branch
Directions to Wells Branch
- Wells Branch is easily accessible from major roads in Austin:
- From I-35: Take the exit for Wells Branch Parkway and follow it into the neighborhood.
- From MoPac Expressway (Loop 1): Exit onto Wells Branch Parkway and continue into the area.
Brief History of Jollyville
Jollyville was established in 1866 and named after its founder, John Grey Jolly, a pioneer and blacksmith who had initially settled near Austin in Fiskville in 1852. The settlement's history dates back to the early days of Texas: Early Settlement: The area was first settled by Henry Rhodes in 1841, who obtained a land grant of about 1,000 acres from the Republic of Texas
.
Founding: In 1866, John G. Jolly purchased 160 acres of land and established Jollyville
. He and his wife, Nancy Isabell (Guill) Jolly, operated a blacksmith shop and a store in the area.
Community Development: By 1867, both Jolly and the Dodd brothers had stores in Jollyville, along with Jolly's blacksmith shop
.
Education and Religion: Jolly donated land for an early school, which was also used as a church. A new school was built in 1878
.
Cemetery: Jolly also donated land for a cemetery. The first burial in Jolly Cemetery was in 1872, and the last in 1929. Both John Jolly and his wife are buried there, along with five citizens of the Republic of Texas
.
Transportation: Jollyville served as a stop on the Austin to Burnet stage line until it closed in 1883 with the arrival of the railroad
.
Growth: The community remained small for many decades. In 1940, it had only 40 inhabitants and two businesses
.
Modern Era: Jollyville experienced significant growth in the latter half of the 20th century. By 1990, its population had grown to 15,206
. In recent years, it has become a thriving suburb of Austin, with a population of 16,151 recorded in the 2010 census.
Today, Jollyville is known as a vibrant, family-friendly neighborhood in the northern part of Austin, balancing suburban tranquility with urban conveniences