National Register Listings in
Bastrop County, Texas

Allen-Bell House Baron, August, House Bastain-Haralson, Ed, House Bastrop Commercial District Bastrop County Courthouse and Jail Complex Bastrop State Park Batts, Judge R., House Brannon, S. L., House Brieger, R. J., House Brooks, Jennie, House Brooks-Wilbarger House Buchanan, J. C., House Casino Hall Colorado River Bridge at Bastrop Combs, H. B., House Cornelsum, John, House Crocheron-McDowall House Crysup, J. T., House Davis, George W., House Dawson House Duval, Mary, House Elgin Commercial Historic District Elzner House Elzner, August, House Elzner, Prince, House Erhard House Erhard, A. A., House Erhard, Adolph A., House Erhard, E. C., House Farm House Fowler House Fowler-Jenkins House Fry, P. A., House Green, Rufus A., House Griesenbeck House Griesenbeck, Alf, House Griesenbeck, Erna, House Griesenbeck, R. J., House Grimes, Dr. C. A., House Hall-Sayers-Perkins House Harlson, Eugene, House Hasler, Emelia, House Hasler, T. A., House Hill, Abraham Wiley, House Hopewell School House at 1002 Pine House at 1002 Walnut House at 1105 Hill House at 1108 Hill House at 1301 Hill House at 1308 Fayette House at 1316 Farm House at 311 Pecan House at 604 Elm House at 806 Jefferson Houses at 703 and 704 Austin Hubbard-Trigg House Iron Bridge Jenkins House Jenkins House Jones, George Washington, House Jones, Oliver P., House Jung Storage Building Jung, Alf, House Jung, Joe, House Kerr Community Center Kerr, Beverly and Lula, House Kleinert House Kohler-McPhaul House Lower Elgin Road Bridge at Wilbarger Creek Luckett, H. P., House Manlove, Bartholomew, House Maynard, Powell C., House Maynard, W. E., House McNeil, Harriet and Charlie, House McNeil, Marcellus, House Miley, Willis, House MKT Depot Old Bastrop Co. Pavilion Olive, L. W., House Orgain, Elbert S., House Orgain, Sarah Jane, House Page, Paul D., House Pearcy, J. H., House Phieffer House Pledger, J. W., House Ploeger-Kerr-White House Rabensburg House Reding, Mrs. William R., House Sayers, Gov. Joseph, House Schaeffer, W. F., House Smithville Commercial Historic District Smithville Residential Historic District Starcke, Richard, House Starcke, Richard, House Taylor, Campbell and Greenlief Fisk, House Waugh House White House Wilke House Wilkes, Minnie, House
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
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.