Lakeway: A Hill Country Community

From Lakeway Heritage Committee Chair Vickie Taylor:

"The City of Lakeway joins Dr. Lewis Carlson’s friends and family in sadness upon his death on February 6, 2022.  Called Lew by those who knew him well, he leaves behind a lasting legacy to Lakeway and its residents as author of the treasured history: Lakeway: A Hill Country Community. In his book, Lew references Lakeway’s immense volunteer network as the “volunteer army,” and provides a development timeline of some of the most loved amenities. When the book was published in 2011, Lew generously spoke and signed his books at Men’s Breakfast Club, the Lake Travis Community Library and the Women’s Club of Greater Lakeway.

Lew was known to embody a special combination of intellect, kindness and great humor. Among many  local interests, he served on the Heritage Commission, (now Heritage Committee), with Friends of the Park, enjoyed the Activity Center’s popular Spanish class and was a good friend of the Lake Travis Community Library. Those who served with him have fond memories of conversations with Lew as they established greenbelt trails together and others who enjoyed walks with Lew and his dog on Hamilton Green Belt. Lew Carlsen revealed his humble nature when a Lakeway friend expounded on his interest in American history. It wasn’t until much later that he learned Lew was a retired history professor with a PhD and had taught History at Western Michigan University.

In a Lake Travis View article published January 12, 2012, Lew said, 'If you can’t be happy in Lakeway, it strikes me that you can’t be happy anywhere.' Thank you, Dr. Carlsen, for taking on the assignment to write an account of our beautiful town."


Book Details:


In the summer of 1962, three wise men from the east discovered a lovely inlet on recently created Lake Travis, approximately twenty miles west of Austin. The following year they built and opened the Lakeway Inn. Despite the surrounding land being populated mostly by goats, the founders laid out residential streets, hoping that a few hardy souls might build vacation or retirement homes. They considered permanent homes unrealistic because the Austin media and Realtors thought Lakeway too distant for a sensible commute.

Despite such humble beginnings, Lakeway developed into a multifaceted community of some 14,000 inhabitants, abetted by the tireless efforts of countless volunteers. Also unique are Lakeway’s picturesque greenbelts, canyonlands, nature parks, walking trails, and, of course, Lake Travis. Lewis H. Carlson’s Lakeway: A Hill Country Community is a superb historical tribute to our cherished community combining more than 100 stunning images with the author's engaging narrative.

This splendid coffee table book features page after page of visual delights capturing and illuminating the development of Lakeway and Western Travis County.

Listen to recordings of Lakeway: A Hill Country Community related humorously 
by author Lew Carlson		  Lakeway Book Cover.jpg

 Lew Carlson Book Inset.jpg
Lewis H. Carlson, Author of
Lakeway: A Hill Country Community
  • Magnificent images capture the essence of our remarkable community

  • Fascinating facts bring to life our city's past and present

  • A gift sure to be prized


Lakeway: A Hill Country Community is available for $29.95 (plus tax) exclusively at the Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek in Lakeway.