It forms part of the larger Austinonio metroplex. As of the U. The areas in and around Austin have been the site of human habitation since at least 9, B. The earliest known inhabitants of the area, during the late Pleistocene Ice Age , can be linked to the Clovis people around B. The earliest known historical occupants of the area, the Tonkawas, were a flint-working, hunting people who followed the buffalo on foot and periodically set fire to the prairie to aid them in their hunts.
During the 18th century they made the transition to a horse culture and used firearms to a limited extent. After they were crowded out by white settlement, the Comanches continued to raid settlements in the county until the s. There also appear to have been small numbers of Kiowa, Yojuane, Tawakoni, and Mayeye Indians living in the Travis and Williamson counties at the time of the earliest Anglo settlements. Pre-historic campsites are found throughout the county along streams or other water sources; most are "open occupation" sites, though caves and rockshelters are often found along various rivers and streams.
When Europeans first arrived in the area, the Tonkawa tribe was the most prevalent, though the Comanches and Lipan Apaches were known to travel through the area as well. In the fort Puesta del Colorado was established by the Spanish in what is now Bastrop. Austin issued grants to settlers in what is now Bastrop and Fayette Counties. During the mids settlements were established along the Colorado River near modern La Grange.
Growth of the settlements was stagnant for some time because of conflicts with the Native Americans in the region. McGehee, were issued land grants by the Mexican government to encourage settlement in the region.
In Texans fought for independence in the Texas Revolution and won. Following independence other settlements were gradually established including Waterloo and Brushy Creek modern Round Rock.
