Local Identity

Hutto's Hippo Story Became Civic Identity

The City of Hutto tells the story as a legend, not a court record. In 1915, the city says, a circus train stopped at the Hutto depot and a hippopotamus got loose, making its way to nearby Cottonwood Creek.

By the city's telling, the depot agent telegraphed Taylor and Round Rock, the towns eight miles east and west, with a message to the effect of: stop trains, hippo loose in Hutto. The school soon adopted the hippo as its mascot, and the city says the hippo appeared on official Hutto High School graduation announcements as early as 1923.

Today Hutto runs with it. The city has a costumed mascot named Howdy, and hippo statues turn up around town, so a newcomer notices the symbol long before they hear the story.

Source to confirm: City of Hutto - Hutto Hippos

More Williamson County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Offices Handle Your Property Tax in Williamson County

The appraisal district sets your property's value and the tax office collects the money, and they are separate offices.

Read note ->

Homestead Exemption

Texas Homestead Exemption Cuts Your School Tax Bill

Williamson County homeowners who live in their home can apply for a $140,000 reduction off the value used to figure school taxes.

Read note ->

Age 65 / Disability Exemption

Extra Property Tax Breaks for Seniors and Disabled Homeowners

Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who have a qualifying disability, can get an additional property tax exemption and a school tax freeze.

Read note ->

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Veterans with Service Disabilities Get a Property Tax Break

Texas veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more qualify for a property tax exemption in Williamson County.

Read note ->