Bastrop and the Lost Pines
Bastrop dates back to 1829, the first in Stephen
F. Austin's "little colony," located where the Camino Real,
or King's Highway, crossed the Colorado River.
Bastrop holds the honor as one of the oldest
settlements in the state. Settlers came by the wagonload from around the
country to claim a share of this fertile land and to establish a home
in this dangerous territory. Even as homes were being erected, Indian
raids continued in this area for many years.
At that time, the community was called Mina,
named for the Spanish revolutionary, Francisco Xavier Mina. Nearly a decade
later, the name was changed to honor the Baron of Bastrop, a friend of
Austin's.
The town grew, but sadly most of its early structures were lost in a massive
fire in 1862. The downtown was rebuilt with Victorian structures, and
today 130 of those historic buildings remain, including 31 Texas Medallion
homes.
Stop by the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce (927 Main Street) which arranges
guided tours past the 1883 Courthouse, the Old Colorado River Bridge,
and many downtown businesses and homes.
You can also view the town from a canoe on
the Colorado River, which winds through the heart of downtown. Canoe rentals
and guided trips along the river are available.
Another, less strenuous, tour is aboard an elegant carriage. Classic Carriages
of Bastrop operates from the corner of Pine and Main Streets on Friday
and Saturday nights. Clip clop through the streets past some historic
structures that have witnessed the comings and goings in Bastrop since
the Civil War days.
The rich history of this town is recalled at the Bastrop Country Historical
Society Museum, located at 702 Main Street. This 1850 frame cabin contains
Indian relics and pioneer exhibits including household furnishing typical
of those found in early Bastrop homes.
But Bastrop's history is not just found in the museum, it's sprinkled
throughout the downtown in its businesses. One notable downtown building
is the Bastrop Opera House, built in 1889. After a major renovation in
1978, this building is once again the cultural center of town, with live
theater ranging from mysteries to vaudeville.
Another popular historic stop is Lock's Drug, at 1003 Main Street. This
turn-of-the-century drugstore features an antique mirrored fountain where
you can belly up for a thick, creamy malt. Built-in cabinets are still
labeled with the names of their original contents, and old apothecary
tools still sit in the front windows.
The downtown is also home to many antiques and specialty shops. Leave
a few hours for shops like Ritz's Old Dime Store, Texas Sampler, and the
1010 Gallery for a look at artwork by talented Texas and Southwest painters
and sculptors.
Whether you explore Bastrop by foot, pedal, or horse power, you'll find
that this town in the pines is an ideal getaway.
Getting There: Bastrop
is located southeast of Austin on TX 71.
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