Bastrop

www.BastropEDC.org

History

Established in 1832 as part of Stephen F. Austin’s “Little Colony,” Bastrop is the second oldest incorporated city in Texas. You can see more than 100 homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally the site served as a meeting ground for the Tonkawa and other southwestern Indians. It also provided a vital Colorado River crossing on the Old San Antonio Road-El Camino Real. It was not until 1821, however, that Moses Austin journeyed through the area and determined to build a settlement on the site. His son, Stephen F. Austin, fulfilled that dream after his father’s death. He named the city and county in honor of the Baron de Bastrop, who was instrumental in helping Austin create the “Little Colony.” Bastrop came in second place as the choice for the new republic’s capitol city. 
Today, downtown Bastrop represents a unique blending of the old and new. Nestled on the banks of the Colorado River, the historic district is filled with a variety of shops and restaurants.

In and Around Bastrop

Highlights include the Bastrop Opera House, Bastrop Historical Society Museum, The Antique Car Museum in Rosanky, shopping and dining (over 35 eating places!), Bastrop State Park, Bastrop State Park Golf Course, Lake Bastrop, RV parks, cabins and camping, The Riverwalk on the Colorado River, two city parks, three scenic 18-hole golf courses, five golf driving ranges, hiking, biking and equestrian trails and McKinney Roughs Natural Science Center & Preserve.

Festivals

Market Days — second Saturday of each month
Yesterfest — last Saturday in April
Juneteenth Celebration — June 19
Annual Patriotic Festival — first Saturday in July