Hays County, Administrative division in Central Texas, US.
Hays County is an administrative division in Central Texas with San Marcos as its county seat. The territory lies between Austin and San Antonio along Interstate 35 and features river valleys, rolling terrain, and natural springs.
The county was established by the Texas Legislature in 1848 and named after Captain Jack Hays, a Texas Ranger who defended settlers against raids. This naming honors an early protector of Texas's frontier lands.
The county maintains multiple parks and natural areas, including Five Mile Dam Park and Jacob's Well Natural Area, which showcase the regional geology and ecosystems.
Visitors find San Marcos as the administrative center with public services and local facilities. The region is easily accessible via Interstate 35 and offers entry points to natural areas, parks, and communities throughout the county.
The Edwards Aquifer flows beneath the county and creates natural springs and underground water systems that supply local communities. This underground water source shapes the landscape and is essential to the region's survival.
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