About Bastrop County Historical Commission
Bastrop County has a very rich history. and the Bastrop County Historical Commission (BCHC) is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the rich history of of this Centrl Texas county. Established to safeguard our heritage for future generations, the Commission works closely with community members, local organizations, and state agencies to honor the stories, places, and people that shaped our county. Through this website we intend to provide as much documentation of that history as possible.
Our Mission
The mission of the BCHC is to identify, research, preserve, and share the history of Bastrop County. From historic landmarks and cemeteries to oral histories and archives, the Commission ensures that the county’s unique heritage remains accessible and meaningful for residents and visitors alike.
What We Do
- Historical Markers: Researching and recommending sites for Texas Historical Commission markers.
- Preservation Projects: Supporting restoration and conservation of historic structures and sites.
- Education & Outreach: Hosting programs, lectures, and tours to engage the public with local history.
- Archival Work: Collecting documents, photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of Bastrop County.
- Cemetery Preservation: Documenting and protecting historic cemeteries throughout the county.
Why It Matters
Bastrop County’s history is woven into the larger story of Texas—from Native American heritage and early settlements to its role in statehood, agriculture, and culture. By preserving this history, the Commission helps strengthen community identity and fosters pride in the generations who came before us.
We have a small record of the land and native peoples who existed here for thousands of years. The Old San Antonio Road ran through the area, giving access to the first Europeans during the Spanish and Mexican periods of Texas. In the early 1800s, a small contingent of Spanish soldiers were stationed near the place where that road crossed the Colorado River. Steven F. Austin began to bring pioneering colonists here in the early 1830s and founded the Mexican town of Bastrop in 1832.
Throughout the rest of the 19th century, Bastrop County grew as a microcosm of Texas in the 19th century – including involvement in the Texas revolution, development of the Republic of Texas, establishing its the capital in Austin, life throughout the early days as a state, years of the Confederacy, the Reconstruction Era, the time of Jim Crow prejudice, and development of railroads and timber and brick industries.
Throughout the 20th century we were a small county with small towns, like hundreds of others across Texas and were greatly influenced by the proximity of Austin and by an army training center (Camp Swift) during WWII.
In the first quarter of the 21st century, the County saw steady population growth, currently leaving the area as a mixture of rural, small town, and suburbia environments within greater central Texas. However, the second quarter has shown to be a boom of large manufacturing, which in turn has created an escalating population increase. With all of these changes over time, it’s important to protect our heritage and capture the stories that have shaped us and will shape our future generations.
Get Involved
The BCHC welcomes community participation and support. Whether you are interested in volunteering, researching your family history, or simply learning more about the area, there are many ways to connect with our work. Together, we can ensure that Bastrop County’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Bylaws
