As far back as the 1880’s, Dripping Springs was known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country” because it was located on the key trade road that followed Barton Creek & Onion Creek from Austin to Fredericksburg. The city more recently has received the recognition of “The Wedding Capital of Central Texas.” What few people know about our city’s history is that the nickname “No Kiddin’ Around Town“ belongs in there somewhere. Yeah…No Kiddin’!
Goats Coming to Dripping Springs, Texas
The concept for Goat Couture™ ’23 – A Goat Fashion Show, originated with Milena Christopher, founding attorney from The Law Office of Milena Christopher and the inspiration behind this fantastic event. Early on in the planning stages, she learned of a gentleman by the name of Mr. Clarence Cobb, an octogenarian who has lived his whole life in Dripping Springs, and the story he had to tell. As it turns out, goats are the unsung heroes for our great city. As Clarence put it, “goats saved the economy of Dripping Springs!"
Mr. Cobb's father herded over 300 Angora Goats by horse and buggy from Junction, Texas along the then crooked path of 290 into Dripping Springs, where he planned to raise goats for the mohair. Apparently, during those early years, crop production was failing, the cotton gins were declining, raising cattle wasn’t profitable enough, and the Dripping Springs economy was ready for an injection of profitable industries to provide for jobs and growth. The mohair goats provided just that.
The tides have now turned, of course, and the City of Dripping Springs is known as a beautiful, booming southwest suburb of Austin. Commerce, subdivisions, and the population are exploding. Without our history of goats, however, who knows where we’d be?
Enjoy a Taste of Unique Dripping Springs, TX History
I hope you’ll enjoy the history and interviews with the few remaining pioneers of the mid 1900s whose families contributed in some way to making goats a lucrative part of Dripping Springs’ history. You’ll hear recollections from legends like Clarence Cobb, Pug Rippy, Henry Brooks, Carl Waits, Charlie Haydon, and more.
Follow me on Facebook at haysattorney for each story and learn more about the history of Dripping Springs, the impact of goats, and the beautiful Texas Hill Country. After all, it’s time to honor the G.O.A.T.! – truly the “Greatest Of All Time!"
