Bastrop County

Bastrop County Offices

Bastrop County Town List

Bastrop County is a county located about 30 miles southEast of Austin. The County has a total area of 896 sq mi (2,320 km2), Land 888 sq mi (2,300 km2), Water 7.4 sq mi (19 km2) 0.8%. 

Its seat is the city of Bastrop, which was named for Felipe Enrique Neri, Baron de Bastrop, a Dutch-born Spanish colonial politician who became a leading figure in the early history of Texas. He is credited with drawing up the first plan for the city of San Antonio. 

Bastrop County was founded in 1837 and was the site of many early ranching activities. It is the home of the Bastrop County Courthouse, which was built in 1883, and today it is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Education 

Education has always played a vital role in the lives of citizens of Bastrop County. The first school (Emile School) was built in 1893, and today, many public and private schools provide an excellent education. One of their main goals is to prepare students for college, post-graduation career opportunities, military service, or preparedness for life at home as responsible citizens. Some of these schools include: 

1. Bastrop ISD
2. Elgin ISD
3. Lexington ISD
4. McDade ISD
5. Smithville ISD

These schools have been recognized nationally for their excellence in both academics and athletics, providing a wide range of opportunities to their students. In addition, they offer an extensive list of activities, clubs, and organizations that allow all students a chance to express themselves positively. 

Bastrop County is “The Gateway to the Lost Pines” and home to many fine schools, churches, civic groups & non-profit organizations that are active in the local communities. 

Cities in Bastrop County 

The cities in Bastrop County are very diverse, with each having its unique personality. They include but are not limited to the following: 

1. Bastrop 

   It is also known as “The Heart of the Lost Pines,” which has some of the most beautiful outdoor vistas that you will ever see. It is a progressive community with excellent schools, churches, and businesses that can be vibrant and successful. It hosts the 900-acre Lake Bastrop, which offers a wide range of activities, from swimming to fishing and more.

2. Elgin

   A wide range of activities is offered in Elgin. There are many things to do throughout the year, from concerts by the Texas Mozart Festival to the Elgin Community College events. The city has a strong manufacturing base that offers jobs for residents and attracts people from all walks of life to make it their home.

   Elgin is a national Main Street Community that participates in the Department of Commerce’s Main Street Program, which offers guidance to downtown businesses that wish to be successful. There’s the 14- block Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places, providing for an authentic experience in the heart of Texas.
   

3. Smithville

   Smithville is a picturesque community that offers all the amenities of a larger city with many locally-owned businesses. Several historic landmarks, including the Smithville Ghost Light, Las Moras Spring, Old Iron Bridge on Sandy Creek, and more. Smithville has a population of under 5,000 people.

   Overall, Bastrop County has much to offer for both short-term visitors and long-term residents. The people are friendly, the business sector is thriving, and many amenities make it an excellent place to live.

Events In Bastrop County 

Every year several events happen in Bastrop County, which draws visitors from all over. There is something to celebrate in Bastrop County almost every month, whether a festival or events to commemorate veterans. Most of the celebrations will take more than a day, with some going for three to nine days. 

• April 

Sherwood Forest Faire – A four-day medieval fair taking place in McDade, Texas. 

Smithville Jamboree – A four days festival in historic downtown Smithville, Texas. It includes art and craft, music, Main street parade, and others. 

• May 

Smithville Thunder Fest – A three days festival in historic downtown Smithville, Texas. It includes a motorcycle rally in Colorado. 

• July 

Elgin Peoples parade and celebration – A three days festival of music, art, and live entertainment. They celebrate the nation’s independence. 

Bastrop Patriotic Festival – A three-day festival of exhibitions, entertainment, and food for the whole family. 

Annual Elgin Rodeo and parade: A three-day event, including a parade, live music, and a rodeo. 

Macdade Watermelon festival – A three days festival of entertainment. A long-running annual tribute to watermelons. There’s a parade, street dance, car show, live music, and revue. 

• September 

Colorado River 100: Involves the most challenging endurance race. The canoe race starts in Bastrop, following the Colorado river headed to Columbus. 

• October 

Scream Hollow: Live in one of the most haunted houses and tell the story if you live. Scream hollow is home to twenty acres of horror. 

The photo festival in Smithville – A nine days festival of art, music, and photography. 

Transportation 

There are only two ways to get into or out of the county. The first route is Interstate Highway 10, which runs east-west through the center of the county. Five exits bring you into separate communities. 

You can enter or leave the second way by State Highways 71 and 90, which run north-south through the county. Eight exits are making it easy to get to and from your destination quickly and safely. 

All of these routes make it very accessible for visitors and residents alike to get in and out of their community without too much trouble. They also allow businesses selling products or offering services within Bastrop County more accessible access to deliver goods and services.  

County Offices 

Bastrop County is divided into three separate judicial districts. The Commissioners Court meets the third Tuesday of every month and consists of five commissioners (one from each district) and a county judge (elected at large). They are responsible for fiscal decisions, road construction and maintenance, public health issues, community services, and more. 

The county seat is located in Bastrop, and the county courthouse is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. There are seven district courts meeting on different days of the week to ensure that residents get their legal needs taken care of promptly. 

There is also a sheriff’s office, county attorney’s office, and justice of the peace for residents to take advantage of. 

Bastrop County is a great place to live with friendly people, beautiful attractions, and plenty of things to see and do. It’s centrally located in Texas, making it an easy drive for residents of more than 87 communities in the state.