Pipes were not the only thing damaged during the arctic cold front that swept through Texas last month. Crockett Gardens Falls, a popular Georgetown landmark, partially collapsed amid the freezing temperatures.
The natural, spring-fed waterfall is nestled along the shores on the south side of Lake Georgetown, which is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The falls remain open to the public, despite the collapse of its iconic rocky, moss-covered overhang. The feature was responsible for creating the falls' signature look.
Scott Blank, the Corps' lake manager, told KUT he first became aware of the collapse of the waterfall's overhang on Dec. 24. In an email, he said he assumed the collapse occurred "due to the frigid temperatures we experienced."
Spring water continues to run over the part of the cliff that still remains, however.
"It is a shame, but it's not gone per se," Blank told KUT. "I really do feel like over time, it’ll probably grow back and the moss will grow on top of that. It won't be the same — no. It'll just be a different feature.
"Like [with] all natural features, mother nature is in control," he added.
As it turns out, Crockett Gardens Falls is no stranger to change.
Today, the waterfall is largely recognized for being a popular local tourist attraction. But 100 years ago, its natural spring water helped fuel some of the county's first settlements.
In 1875, James Knight acquired the land and started a garden. There, he raised the first strawberries in the county, according to Land of Good Water by Clara Stearns Scarborough.
The land was described as having "abundant spring water, a spectacular waterfall, high banks with ferns and water plants, facilities for irrigation."
The waterfall's namesake, R. M. Crockett, later acquired the property and continued to operate the garden.
Nowadays, visitors can see the the remnants of Crockett's garden along the approximately 2-mile trail hike to the falls from Cedar Breaks Park. They can also reach the falls via kayak on Lake Georgetown.
For more information on visiting the falls, visit Georgetown's tourism website.
