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BASTROP,
TEXAS
Over 125 historic
structures
Bastrop County Seat, Central Texas South
Hwy 71
28 miles E of Austin
17 miles S of Elgin on Hwy 95
12 miles W of Smithville
on Hwy 71
Population: 5,340 (2000) 4,044 (1990)
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The Old Iron Bridge when it was new
Photo
Courtesy of TXDoT |
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The
Bastrop Bridge
TE
photo, 1999 |
A
Main Street that has appeared in many movies and TV movies, Bastrop's
Main Street is a world and a half a mile away from the Highway businesses
that are what most travelers think is Bastrop.
Crossing the Old Iron Bridge that spans the Colorado,
you immediately know you aren't in the fast lane, or Kansas either.
Immediately to the right you'll find the Crossing, a pleasant
escape where you can eat, drink, buy some clothing, baked goods and
even launch a canoe. Bed and Breakfast accommodations are available.
Walk along the river to Fisherman's Park or return for a stroll
down Main Street.
Historic buildings abound and there's even more in the residential
areas. There's no Courthouse Square, but there's a Courthouse and
a matching jail connected by catwalk.
Bastrop County
Courthouse - next page |
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Bastop old jail back view
Photo by John Troesser |
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Bastop
jail hanging ring
Photo by John Troesser |
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The
Bastrop museum is at the far southern end of Main St. Hours
are 12 to 4 pm Monday - Friday and Saturday and Sunday 1pm to 5
pm.
Take your time walking to the north end of Main. Restaurants,
antique stores, shops and a "proper" bookstore (Main Street Books)
with an excellent Texana section. The Chamber of Commerce
is here too, at 927 Main. Pick up a driving tour map, and
continue down to Lock's Drugstore, another must see.
One mile north of town is another interesting old iron bridge,
but not celebrated like the one in town.
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Bastrop Cemetery
TE Photo |
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The cemetery
is a good one, consult your driving tour. Nice hilltop view. Walk
up the hill, don't drive especially if it's rained recently. It's
a nice place to visit, but you wouldn't like to become a resident.
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Additional
attractions include The Opera House
TE Photo |
Bastrop
Texas Christian Church
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, July 2005 |
Bastrop
Tourist Information
Bastrop Chamber
of Commerce
927 Main Street, 512-321-2419
Website: www.bastropchamber.com |
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