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History of Westlake
Early History
The Town of Westlake was settled by Charles and Matilda Medlin when they arrived in the area with about 20 other families in 1847. They initially settled along Denton Creek but moved south to higher ground after weathering ferocious floods from the creek.
Until 1997, the three-story Medlin barn was a local historic landmark. When it had to be removed for safety issues, it was believed to be 130 years old. Legends include those of Sam Bass and Bonnie and Clyde hiding in the barn.
1950s
In 1956, Dallas lawyer Glen Turner purchased about 2,000 acres along State Highway 114. The area came to be known as Circle T Ranch.
Soon after, ranches and homeowners in the surrounding community incorporated, taking the name Westlake. The area included what is known today as Westlake, plus the area north, to the northern shore of Denton Creek. This northern land was later disannexed from Westlake and formed Trophy Club. By 1952, Denton Creek was dammed and Lake Grapevine was formed.
1970s
In the early 1970s, Houston developers Johnson and Loggins and professional golfer Ben Hogan approached Westlake about building a golf course, country club, and a housing development. Residents' interests differed. In 1973, Westlake disannexed that area, clearing the way for upscale housing development.
In the mid-1970s, the Circle T Ranch was purchased by oil millionaire Nelson Bunker Hunt. The ranch became known for its glamorous parties attended by celebrities from all over the world. By 1989, Hunt had declared bankruptcy and the ranch was up for sale. It was purchased by Ross Perot Jr. in 1993.
Recent History
In the mid-1980s, IBM built Solana, the multi-use office complex. IBM maintained a large presence until the mid-1990s. At that time, several of the office buildings became available for use by other corporations. Eventually, IBM sold its partnership interest.
In 1997, to the dismay of residents, there was an attempt to dissolve the Town of Westlake. Many court battles, including appeals to the Texas Supreme Court, were waged as emotions rose.
Of Historic Interest
Summary of Events
Some places transcend time, while others help define it. The Thornton family home in Westlake does both."We believe this house was probably the first structure of any significance in the area," Steve Thornton said of his family's house on Roanoke Road. Thornton's mother, LaVana Thornton, still lives in the hilltop house that local legend says is an old stagecoach stop known as Placido.
The Thornton family bought the gabled, stone house and surrounding property in 1916 from the family of the once-prominent landowner Henry Keller. While the Thorntons are fairly certain that Keller's family built the house sometime around 1866, they would like to construct a written account of their home's history. If the house was a stagecoach stop in the 1800s, the building would be eligible for listing in the National Register. But the Thorntons' motivation for researching the house is more than the quest for a historical designation. "I'm more interested in knowing the history than getting a marker," LaVana Thornton said.
Summary
Six flags mean more than roller coasters and summer fun to Bert Schultz. To the Westlake history devotee, they represent the men and women of the Texas area from 1519 through the 1800s.
Before a small-but-rapt Westlake Academy audience, Schultz explained the origins of the six flags that have flown over Texas - representing Spain, France, Mexico, Texas, Confederate States and United States. But the October 26 presentation explained much more. From Fort Worth to Bird's Fort, Schultz demystified history and discussed the reasons and rationale behind the forts built during the Indian Wars. It was one of three living history presentations the retired civil engineer has shared with area schools.
"Everything that is on this table is authentic," said Schultz, 67, a board member of the Westlake Historical Preservation Society. He pointed to revolvers, knives, ammunition and other items displayed under glass. The artifacts represented the 1865-1890 Indian War period and comprised part of a collection Schultz began acquiring in 1980.
Summary
Westlake First News
Published June 8, 2001
By David A. Brown
There's an old chimney that stands out in a field, away from everything, on Circle 12 Ranch in Westlake, and I wish I could talk to it. If it's anywhere near as old as it seems, it must have seen a good deal of history pass by. Who built it and when and why? Was it some settler making a home for himself and his family, with a fireplace to keep them all warm on the coldest winter day? Was it a defeated Confederate soldier returning from the horror of the Civil War to find that nothing was left of his former home?
Summary
On September 8, 2007, the Westlake community gathered for a very special historical event. As part of it's 50th anniversary celebration, the Town of Westlake dedicated and sealed a time capsule containing a variety of special items.
This time capsule will remained sealed until September 8, 2057, during the town's 100th anniversary celebration.