Bastrop, one of the earliest settlements in Texas, is proud of its
recent designation as most historic small town in Texas. During
its years the town has survived wars, floods, droughts, depressions
and boom times. Originally settled by persons of Mexican ancestry and
by families from southern states, the town developed a distinctly southern
style, complete with slavery. However, the end of slavery and increased
immigration from Central and Western Europe led to a diverse and stable
population with many skilled artisans.
Blessed with fertile soil, magnificent stands of loblolly pines, a
beautiful state park and bordered by the sometimes gentle, sometimes
destructive Colorado River. The town basked for years, self-sufficient
and undisturbed by the hectic pace of larger communities.
By the 1930's Bastrop could boast of 2 cotton gins, 1 oil mill, at
least 5 grocery stores, 3 department stores, 3 large restaurants, many
churches, 1 hospital, many service stations and all other facilities
needed for serving the local community and through traffic.
Everybody knew everybody and although this is not always a good thing,
it helped the town survive the dark days of the Great Depression. Everybody
had enough to eat. Many people kept a milk cow right in town, most had
gardens and chickens, and some kept pigs, so neighbors shared. Even
hoboes dropping off a MKT Freight Train could count on getting a good
meal in return for a little work.
The town survived boom times when Camp Swift Army Post was built during
World War II. All available housing was occupied and soldiers filled
the streets. It survived bust times when the base closed and stores
stood vacant all along Main Street.
The town grew. Population, which had remained steady at about 1900,
increased gradually as people from all expanded with new business and
residential areas and the public school system which once accommodated
about 300 students in all grades in one building, now has many campuses
and about 6,000 students.
Today the town is still growing but it retains many of its small-town
values. New city parks have been built, historic buildings and bridges
have been given official recognition and old trails along the river
have been improved into a splendid river walk.
Truly, Bastrop is a town for the past and a town for the future.
(See Mr. Simmons book, Memories of Bastrop 1930-1950, Vol.1,
at the reference section [Call No. R 976.4 SIM] of the Bastrop
Public Library. Watch for the new Memories of Bastrop, Vol.2,
now available!)