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 Early History of the City of Bastrop
N 30° 06.641 W 097° 17.615
14R E 664409 N 3332278
This is a sign that recounts the areas history from prehistoric Indian tribes, to Spanish explorers, to Austin's colony, to the formation of Bastrop County, the Republic of Texas, and gaining US statehood.
Waymark Code: WMPDZT
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 08/15/2015
Views: 6
I love signs like this one. It takes you from the dawn of written history, to indigenous tribes, to pioneer settlements, to formation of commerce between colonies, to forming a governmental rule. The native tribes, the national interests of Spain, Mexico and the other counties who have staked a flag in Texas soil, have all shaped the character of this county and its major city: Bastrop. The city began as a settlement due to the natural land and river formation allowing a rive crossing. The ancient paths of man and animal forming the Kings Highway though the heart of Bastrop (both city of and county of) gave this area a main artery for commerce to travel past. The fact that Austin colonized this area, using the Kings Highway as a boundary, assured Bastrop would become an important community. The Bastrop County and the City of Bastrop have continued to benefit from its historic placement and flow of commerce and government through its boundaries even today. This marker is out in the open but easy to miss. It is on the south part of a traffic triangle formed by Loop 150, SH 21 and Bastrop State Park entrance. the Loop 150 east-bound lane turn onto SH 21 runs between this sign and the entrance to the state park. It is "across the street" from and in sight of the two TX historical markers that are on either side of the entrance into the Bastrop State Park. But you will overlook it if you don't know to turn around and look out into the small field created by the traffic triangle. It is there ... waiting. Additional information: ( visit link) ( visit link)
Marker Number: 9151
Marker Text:
Long before white men arrived, this region was inhabited by Tonkawa and Comanche Indians. In 1691 the first Spanish explorers crossed this territory en route to east Texas. From their route, parts of "El Camino Real" (the King's Highway) were blazed, thus placing Bastrop on a major early travel artery. Because El Camino Real crossed the Colorado River here, this was a strategic spot. In 1805 the Fort "Puesta del Colorado" and accompanying community were founded here to protect commerce on the road. In 1825 this area became "Mina," one of the first settlements in the colony of Stephen F. Austin. It was named for revolutionary leader Xavier Mina. In the years that followed, many members of its first 100 families served in the Texas Revolution (1836), the Mexican War (1846-1848), and were active in political life in the Republic and State of Texas. In 1837 when the town incorporated, the name was changed to "Bastrop" to honor the Baron de Bastrop, influential early land agent and statesman. The city was also designated county seat in 1837. From 1851-1870, this was seat of Bastrop Military Academy, an important Texas school. First courthouse was built in 1853; present one in 1883 on the same spot.
(1968)
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Visit Instructions:
Please include a picture in your log. You and your GPS receiver do not need to be in the picture. We encourage additional information about your visit (comments about the surrounding area, how you ended up near the marker, etc.) in the log.
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