Bastrop County, Texas

About

Bastrop County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2010 census, the population was 74,171 and a population density of 32 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 county had an estimated population of 91,601 inhabitants. Its county seat is Bastrop. The county was created 189 years ago in 1835.

Bastrop County is located just east of Austin in the Central Texas region. It was created in 1836 as one of the original counties when Texas became an independent republic. The county was named after Felipe Enrique Neri, Baron de Bastrop, an early Dutch settler who helped establish the town of Bastrop.

The area was settled in the early 1800s when Stephen F. Austin issued land grants to colonists. Early settlers grew cotton, raised livestock, and established farms along the Colorado River. The historic Bastrop Opera House opened in 1889 and still holds performances today.

Major Cities and Attractions

The largest city and county seat is Bastrop, with around 10,000 residents. Other notable cities include:

• Elgin - Known as the "Sausage Capital of Texas" for its famous hot sausage
• Smithville - A popular filming location with historic downtown buildings

Bastrop State Park is a major attraction located along the Colorado River. It offers camping, hiking, fishing and cabins for overnight stays.

The county also holds an annual Homecoming and Rodeo event every March with rodeo events, live music, and carnival rides.

Key Industries

Technology companies have a growing presence in Bastrop County with companies like Activision Blizzard and Hewlett-Packard operating large facilities. Many residents also work in the Austin metro area.

Agriculture remains important with major crops including hay, beef cattle, cotton, corn, and pecans. Bastrop is also emerging as a wine region with several vineyards along the Wine Road 290.

In summary, Bastrop County has an interesting history as one of Texas' original counties. Don't miss visiting the historic opera house in Bastrop, the state park along the Colorado River, and the annual rodeo. The county is also developing as a technology and wine hub close to Austin.

Quick Facts about Bastrop County

Geography

Bastrop County is located at 30°6'13"N 97°18'43"W (30.1036100, -97.3120100). It has 4 neighbors: Caldwell County, Fayette County, Lee County and Travis County.

The largest city of Bastrop County is Elgin with a population of 10,756. Other cities include, Bastrop population 9,743, Smithville population 4,664 and Colorado population 3,875. See all Bastrop County cities & populated places.

Bastrop County Populated Places

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Bastrop County.

City Name	Population	Title
Elgin	10,756	City in Bastrop and Travis Counties in the U.
Bastrop	9,743	City in Texas, USA
Camp Swift	6,383	Census designated place
Smithville	4,664	City in Texas
Colorado	3,875	City in Texas, United States of America
Wyldwood	2,505	Census designated place

People born in Bastrop County, including political scientist Luther H. Evans, centenarian and oldest verified living World War II veteran Richard Overton, librarian, historian and preservationist Verna Jackson McKenna, .

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