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Cowboys and cowgirls gallop through town by the hundreds. Antique cars and homemade floats roll by and children scramble as candy flies through the air. Politicians stand and wave trying to look re-electable.
It's Norman Rockwell run amuck!
Issac LaFayette Hill was orator for the day and H. Ledbetter served as marshall. On the centennial of our independence, Joel W. Robinson spoke to an overflow crowd. Round Top was a must for politicians to be seen and heard on July 4. Many traveled miles by train to Ledbetter, Texas and then were transported to Round Top by stage.
Traditionally a cannon was fired as the official start of the July 4 celebrations. In 1889, the cannon did not fire. John George Kaiser was inspecting the cannon when it exploded and Mr. Kaiser, president of The Rifle Association, was severely injured. He died several days later from loss of blood and infection.
July 4, 1938, the centennial of the organization of Fayette County, a marker was unveiled honoring early heros. Lt. Govenor Woodall was guest speaker. Also, a small replica of the Soergel House, a lookout stop atop a hill several miles north-east of Round Top was placed on the town square.
John G. Banik, historian and native of Round Top, spoke of the history of the area nad introduced guest speakers as early as 1934. Lt. Gov. W. P. Hobby, a frequent guest speaker, made his first public announcement that he would run for Lt. Govenor of Texas in Round Top. Many state senators and representatives have been guest speakers.
On July 4, 1951, Round Top celebrated not only the centennial of the town's Fourth of July celebration, but also the 175th anniversary of American Independence.
Official presentation of the Bicentennial flag to the town of Round Top was made June 7, 1975. For the Bicentennial celebration, then Mayor Don Nagel had the cannon fragments restored by Donald W. Morgan of Austin so once again it could sound the start of the parade.
The parade is co-sponsored by the Round Top Rifle Association and the Town of Round Top...
