Historical Markers in
Bastrop County, Texas

Abram Wiley Hill Addison Litton Aldridge-Fitzwilliam Home Allen-Fowler House Alum Creek Cemetery Antioch Cemetery B. D. Orgain House Baron de Bastrop Monument Bastrop Christian Church Bastrop County Bastrop County Courthouse Bastrop County Jail Bastrop Methodist Church Bastrop Opera House Brooks-Wilbarger House Burger Home Calvary Episcopal Church Camp Swift Campbell Taylor Captain James Burleson Captain John Campbell Hunt Chancellor House City of Elgin Claiborne Cemetery Crocheron-McDowall House D. O. Hill House Dr. I. B. Nofsinger House Dr. Sayers' Office Early History of the City of Bastrop Elgin Elgin Cemetery Elgin Christian Church Elgin Lodge No. 328, A. F. & A. M. Elgin Methodist Church Fairview Cemetery Felipe Enrique Neri Baron de Bastrop First Baptist Church of Bastrop First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Smithville First Methodist Church of Smithville First National Bank of Bastrop First Presbyterian Church of Elgin Governor J. D. Sayers Governor Sayers House Grassyville Cemetery H. N. (Man) Bell H. P. Luckett House Haralson House Hartford Jenkins Home Henry Mordoff Henry N. Bell House Home Town of Texas Confederate Major Joseph D. Sayers Hubbard - Trigg House Jesse Halderman John Herron John Holland Jenkins John Socrates Darling Jonathan Burleson Jourdan Smith Jung - Pearcy House Kesselus Building Kings Highway (Camino Real) Kleinert - Hoppe House Kleinert Building Klockman - Elzner Home Lost Pines of Texas Margaret Chambers Home Martin Walker McDade McDade Baptist Church Meeks - Maynard Cabin Miller - Gillum House Mina - Bastrop Pioneers Home Mina Ward School Mt. Olive Baptist Church Murray Burleson Home New Red Rock Cemetery Nicholas W. Eastland Old Bastrop Academy Bell Old Cornelson-Fehr House Old Jenkins Home Old Red Rock Cemetery P. O. Elzner House Pfeiffer Home Pleasant Grove Cemetery Primera Baptist Church R. L. Perkins Home Rabb House Richard J. and Annie Brieger House Ridgeway Cemetery Robert Love Reding Rock Front Saloon, 1870 Rockne Rural Farms and Communities Before Camp Swift Samuel Wolfenberger Samuel Wolfenberger Sayers - Walton Ranch House Scottie Chambliss Jenkins House Siloah Cemetery Site of Bastrop Military Institute Site of Confederate Arms Factory Site of Early Bastrop County Fort Site of the Home of Col. Robert M.Coleman Smithville Stephen Scallorn The A. A. Erhard Home The Bastrop Advertiser The CCC at Bastrop State Park The Gotier Trace Thomas H. Mays Thomas Osborn Three Oaks (Goerlitz) Cemetery Trigg Home (Henry E. McGehee House) Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church Wallace - Holme House West End Park White - Turner House Wilbarger House Wiley Hill House William B. Standifer William Dunbar William Redfield Yerge-Hill Family Home Young School House and Cemetery
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
Texas random facts
Bastrop County, Texas, located southeast of Austin, holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. The area was inhabited by indigenous tribes before European settlers arrived. In the early 19th century, permanent settlements began to emerge as the region became part of the Republic of Texas, following Texas' independence from Mexico in 1836.

Bastrop County was officially established during this period, named after Felipe Enrique Neri, Baron de Bastrop, a prominent figure in early Texas history. The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the 19th century, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of key industries like lumber and agriculture.

During the 20th century, Bastrop County continued to evolve, adapting to changing times and embracing modernization. The county has a rich agricultural heritage, particularly in cotton and cattle production. Additionally, Bastrop County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Lost Pines Forest, which provides a unique ecosystem and attracts visitors from near and far.

Today, Bastrop County is a diverse and dynamic region, balancing its historical roots with modern developments. The county offers a mix of rural charm and urban amenities, with communities that value their heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bastrop County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: Bastrop County was home to indigenous tribes, including the Tonkawa and Hasinai Caddo, who inhabited the area for centuries.

  • 1800s: In the early 19th century, the region witnessed an influx of Anglo-American settlers, with Stephen F. Austin's colony playing a significant role in the area's colonization.

  • 1836: Texas gains independence from Mexico, and the Republic of Texas is established. Bastrop County is officially formed in 1837 and named after Baron de Bastrop, a Dutch businessman who played a key role in the colony's development.

  • Late 1800s: Bastrop County thrives as an agricultural hub, with cotton production serving as a prominent economic activity. The arrival of railroads further facilitates trade and transportation.

  • 20th Century: The county witnesses modernization and growth, with the rise of other industries such as lumber, oil, and gas. Bastrop County also plays a role in World War II as Camp Swift, a military training facility, is established.

  • 21st Century: Bastrop County faces challenges such as wildfires, notably the devastating Bastrop County Complex Fire in 2011, which impacted thousands of acres and destroyed hundreds of homes. The county continues to evolve, balancing its agricultural roots with suburban growth and maintaining its natural beauty.