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.

For More Information:

• http://www.bastropchamber.com/

Also See:

• Bastrop Index
• Bastrop State Park