Hillwood, TX
Music connected to Hillwood
About Hillwood
- • Musician Billy Joe Shaver, influential in outlaw country, was born in Hillwood, TX.
- • The 'Hillwood Two-Step', a variation of the Texas Two-Step, originated in local dance halls.
- • Railroad expansion in 1880 put Hillwood on the map as a shipping point for local cotton.
- • Local legend says a time capsule buried in 1927 remains undiscovered under the old school.
- • The devastating drought of 1950s caused widespread farm foreclosures and population decline.
- • Named for its hilly terrain and abundant woods, it was established in 1878.
- • The population hovers around 900, a slight increase from the 2010 census.
- • Sitting at 750 feet, the elevation allows for stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- • Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and hay production, dominates the local economy.
- • There's a palpable sense of peaceful solitude, a place where time seems to slow down.
- • The Dallas Cowboys are the nearest pro team, winning Super Bowl XXX in 1996.
- • Hillwood High's 1968 basketball team won the state championship in a stunning upset.
- • The town is located within the watershed of the Brazos River.