Mt. Olive Baptist Church
African American citizens of Bastrop established Mt. Olive Baptist Church in 1874, first meeting in a brush arbor. After a short time, Mary Francis Handly donated land and a small sanctuary was built, with a split cedar log pew for the congregation. This house of worship served the community until 1895, when a small frame sanctuary was built. Elm Grove School was established in 1897, with Ben Clayton, F.W.R. Thorne and Abe Yancey as trustees. The rural school enumerated 89 pupils and shared the same frame building as Mt. Olive. Soon the frame sanctuary also proved too small for the growing church.
Under the leadership of Reverend H. W. Luckett (1874-1924), Mt. Olive purchased three acres at this site from Jim Franklin in 1909 for a new church property. Trustees George Brooks, Samuel Franklin Thorne and Henry Barnett bought the acreage for thirty dollars. Mount Olive Evergreen Cemetery was also established on the land, just northeast of the church building. In 1912, trustees Abe Yancey, Tom Anderson and F.W.R. Thorne bought an additional acre from Samuel Franklin Thorne and built an addition perpendicular to the sanctuary as a dedicated classroom. Classes continued at Elm Grove until 1957, when the school consolidated with Bastrop.
The 1909 sanctuary is a front gabled rectangular plan building with an offset entrance and spire, shiplap siding and peaked windows. The 1912 addition, built perpendicular to the chancel, is side gabled with banks of double-hung windows and board and batten siding. The church has continued to serve the community as a cornerstone of worship and social activities.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 2008
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
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.
Bastrop County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.