bastrop historic homes tour

Bastrop Historical Society Homes Tour to feature five homes, church

From a majestic Queen Ann Victorian home built in 1892 to a charming residence constructed in the 1940s, the Bastrop County Historical Society is featuring five homes and a church at its annual Holiday Homes Tour.

The tour will be held Dec. 10 from noon to 5 p.m., and fans of history and architecture can enjoy the detailed accounts by Society docents on the stories behind the homes and Primera Baptist Church on the tour.

The tour lineup includes:

• The H. P. Luckett House – Built in 1892 by a prominent doctor, this majestic, 14-room Queen Ann Victorian was constructed for approximately $14,000. This perennial Bastrop favorite is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Texas State Historic Landmark.

• The Jones-May Home – With a simple cross floor plan, this house was built in 1889 by W.D.C. and Jessie B. Jones when they were newlyweds. During World War II, Bailey B. and Lenah E. May rented out the north side of the house to wives of soldiers stationed at Camp Swift.

• The Kollman-Cox Home – Moved to Bastrop from Taylor in 1993, this Folk Victorian’s gingerbread-adorned porches and ornate cast iron fence invite you into a restored home with an abundance of unique antiques.

• The Cochran-Watson Home – A duplex rental, this charmer was built just before Camp Swift opened in the 1940s. It was purchased by former renters, Robert C. and Ruth E. Watson in 1957 and turned into a single family residence.

• The Jenkins-Moore Home – Built in 1921 by Jack and Julia Belle Jenkins, this classic Arts and Crafts Bungalow later became the home of Robert and Bernice Jenkins, the Pearl Beer distributer and his wife, a beloved school teacher.

• The Primera Baptist Church – Built in 1924, Pastor Paul C. Bell was the driving force behind the construction of this grand church. He also established a Bible Institute, a school and an orphanage for local Mexican children on the site.

Homes tour tickets may be purchased at the Bastrop Museum & Visitor Center or by calling 512-303-0057. Tickets may also be purchased online at BastropHolidayHomesTour.com. Admission is $20 per person, children under 12 years of age are admitted for free.

Proceeds from the tour help fund the operation of the museum and visitor center.

Bastrop’s reforestation

Volunteers with TreeFolks, a nonprofit that helps communities plant and care for trees, will plant over 10,000 Loblolly Pine seedlings this winter to help reforest areas in Bastrop County destroyed in the 2011 Complex Fire and 2015 Hidden Pines Fire.

The 2011 fire, the most destructive wildfire in the state’s history, destroyed 34,000 acres in Bastrop County, including over 90 percent of Bastrop State Park. The Hidden Pines Fire burned close to 4,600 acres, including more than half of Buescher State Park.

“Tree planting is an uplifting outdoors experience throughout the cold season months,” Thais Perkins, TreeFolks’ executive director, said. “Trees provide ecosystems services such as stabilizing the soil to prevent erosion, cooling the atmosphere and building the banks of rivers and streams.”

The tree planting is an ongoing effort by TreeFolks and Bastrop County to reforest areas devastated by fire. Tree planting will take place in Bastrop County Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jan. 14 from 1-4 p.m. and Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information and to register to volunteer, visit TreeFolks’ website at treefolks.org/reforesting-the-lost-pines/.

“By doing your part to restore the environment, you also have the opportunity to connect with neighbors and build a resilient community together,” Perkins said.

Bastrop river walk to close temporarily

Bastrop’s river walk will be closed Dec. 5-9 as city crews will conduct riverbank stabilization and fix erosion caused by several floods in the past year.

The closure will be from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. all week, though the River of Lights will run as normal. The 120 lighted displays that illuminate the river walk at night will turn on as planned and residents and visitors will be able to walk along the river walk after 4 p.m.

The River of Lights runs through Jan. 2.

The following homes and buildings were featured in the 2006 Bastrop Historical Society Holiday Homes tour:

The Old Town Visitors' Center at the Historic First National Bank at 1016 Main Street-Circa 1890

Burns-Felder House at 101 Bush Cove-Circa 1910 (Greek Revival Style)

The Mertz House located at 1404 Church Street-Circa 1895 (Greek Revival Style)

The H. P. Luckett House at 1402 Church Street-Circa 1892 (Queen Ann Style)

The Denison House at 1506 Water Street-Circa 1955

The T. C. Osborne House at 1102 Hill Street-Circa 1881 (Greek Revival Style)

The Bastrop Opera House at 711 Spring Street-Circa 1889

Bastrop County Historical Society Museum at 702 Main Street - circa 1850 This building on the banks of the Colorado River was built in 1850 by John Cornelson. The Bastrop County Historical Society was organized in February, 1952, and with the Ladies Reading Circle purchased this property, restored the building, and converted it into a museum.

For Further Information:

• Historical Society Museum : 512/303-0057 (M-F 1-5 pm, Sat. 10:00-2:00pm)
• Bastrop Chamber of Commerce : 512/303-0558 (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F)

I invite your comments and suggestions! E-mail: neil@bastroptexas.net .

Bastrop High School Class Reunions

The Community | Site Search | Meet Neil Gurwitz | Community Calendar Photo Tours | Comments/Questions | Mailing List | Links | Home

Web hosting, design, and database development by Eager Web Services, LLC Copyright � 1999-2007 Bastrop Texas Network. All rights reserved.

Museum & Visitor Center of the Bastrop County Historical Society

904 Main Street, Bastrop, Texas 78602

Museum (512) 303-0057

Visitor Center (512) 303-0904

Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

Museum Tours

Volunteer docents are ready to provide tours during the following hours:

Monday: 12:30pm - 4 pm

Tuesday: 1pm - 3 pm

Wednesday: 10am - 2pm

Thursday: 1pm – 3pm

Friday: 12:30pm – 3pm

Saturday: 12:30pm - 3pm

Museum Admission - Adults $5

Under 13 years old - Free Admission

• Festival De La Cultura

Bastrop prides itself on its deep connection to Hispanic culture and heritage, which is why, if you’re in town this April, a stop by this festival is an absolute must. Join us at the very first Festival De La Cultura, a two-day celebration of Hispanic heritage. This family-friendly, authentic fiesta will feature a wide array of talented artists, authentic cuisine, and much more.

• Small Towns are the Next Big Thing in Meetings
• MEET The Great Outdoors
• upcoming-events
• Go Bastrop Savings Partners
• Go! Bastrop Savings Partners
• RV Camps & Cabins
• Vacation Rentals
• Accommodations
• Dining & Entertainment
• Events at the Hyatt
• Lost Pines Spa
• On-Site Activities
• Outdoor Activities
• MEET The great outdoors
• Family-Friendly
• Downtown Bastrop
• Toads In Town
• Bastrop State Park
• Historic Homes & Buildings
• Hyatt Regency Lost Pines
• Ultimate Bird Watching Guide
• Bird Lover Weekend
• Music Friendly Community
• The Traveling Exhibition: Harriet Tubman - "The Journey to Freedom"
• Bastrop Music Festival
• Bastrop Big Bang Celebration
• Submit an Event
• Heroes & Hot Rods Veteran's Day Car Show
• Lost Pines Christmas
• This Weekend
• Restaurants
• Wine, Beer & Spirits
• Downtown Restaurants
• County History
• City of Bastrop
• Safe. Clean. Ready.
• Request Visitor Guide
• eCab Service
• Plan a Trip
• Privacy Policy
• Things To Do

Lose Yourself in a Lost Pines Christmas in Bastrop

Bastrop is a wonderful place to live or visit year-round, but a Lost Pines Christmas is truly a unique and magical time. Christmas light displays, festive events, fun parades and homes decked out in their holiday best make for a memorable time for all ages. Here are a few tips on what’s going on in Bastrop.

START YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING EARLY

Bastrop is known for its creative artists and artisans, and nowhere is that more evident than the Merry Market. Held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 18 at the Lumberyard Music Hall, 1109 Main St. in Bastrop, the free event – presented by Bastrop Area Clay Artists – is the perfect place to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Original artisan jewelry, ceramic, wood, textiles and more will be available.

Handmade original arts and crafts for sale and a silent auction for charity are part of a special Bastrop 1832 Farmers Market artisan event. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 25, you can peruse through creative items such as pottery, paintings, handmade jewelry, tie-dye items, folk art baskets and much more. Make sure to bid on a variety of wonderful gift ideas for loved ones – or for yourself.

The city officially kicks off the holiday season during the 6 th annual Wassail Fest & Small Business Saturday, held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 25, along Main Street in Downtown Bastrop. An opportunity to show support for brick-and-mortar local small businesses, the event will include the annual People’s Choice Awards, in which visitors can vote for their favorite hot mulled cider, which will be served throughout the downtown area. While there, make sure to stop by the Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center and hear polka music performed live.

TURN ON THE LIGHTS

The lights shine brightly in Bastrop when the holidays roll around. Kids of all ages will enjoy the annual Lost Pines Christmas Tree Lighting, beginning at 6 p.m. on Nov. 25. If you can, be early to Fisherman’s Park, along the River of Lights, so children can be upfront when Santa Claus makes a special appearance. Admission is free.

After the tree lighting, take a stroll along the Colorado River and see the Bastrop River of Lights. The one-half-mile scenic June Hill Pape Riverwalk will be aglow in a variety of seasonal themes. To access the area, come down the stairs west of the intersection of Main and Pine streets, or head to the fully accessible entrance at Fisherman’s Park on Willow Street. The River of Lights will be viewable daily from dusk to 10 p.m. from Nov. 25 to Jan. 2.

See the wonder of Christmas lights as they move south on Main Street during the annual Lost Pines Lighted Christmas Parade, held at dusk (approximately 6 p.m.) on Dec. 9. There will be 130-plus entries on the parade route, from fancy floats to classic cars and fire trucks to dancing bears. Of course, Santa will be on hand during one of the area’s most popular events.

IT'S SHOWTIME!

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for “A Country Christmas” on Dec. 7. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show featuring the Farm Street Opry Band and guest. Hear some of your favorite country music songs along with holiday classics. Santa is also scheduled to make a special appearance. The price for the event, which is performed at the Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, is $7.50 (cash only), with kids under 10 admitted for free.

One of the most beloved Christmas movies has been transformed into a stage play. “It’s a Wonderful Life – Live Radio Play,” performed Dec. 1-17 at the Bastrop Opera House, takes place at a snowbound 1940s radio station, where George Bailey and all of Bedford Falls’ lovable characters recreate the family-friendly tale of love, loss and redemption. Tickets are $25.

HOME, SWEET HOME

Enjoy a celebration of the past by taking a self-paced journey along the Bastrop County Historical Society Holiday Homes Tour. Held from noon to 5 p.m. on Dec. 9, the tour includes four historic homes and the Bastrop Opera House, all listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Docents will be available to answer questions and homeowners will be glad to discuss any renovations or stories related to their homes. Visit the Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center for more information. Admission for the tour is $20, with children 12 and under with an adult admitted for free.

COME FOR A VISIT

If you’re a first-time visitor to Bastrop, you owe it to yourself to check out all of what our city has to offer. As the “Most Historic Small Town in Texas,” we’ve got plenty of stories to share.

Downtown Bastrop is a lovely area that features charming brick storefronts, artists and crafters displaying their unique creations and a variety of restaurants with delicious down-home cuisine. Drop by the museum and visitor center for more exhibits of Bastrop’s early days, and find out what else you can do during the Lost Pines Christmas. By the way, expect plenty of “hello” greetings from locals, as Bastrop is known for its wonderful Texas hospitality.

There’s no time like the present to plan your Bastrop getaway, whether it’s for a holiday vacation or a brand-new getaway. You’ll find an assortment of places to stay for a night or a week, including hotels, campsites, charming inns or a four-diamond resort property. We hope to see you soon!

Visit Bastrop

Texas A&M University Press

Historic Homes of Bastrop, Texas

By Robbie Moore Sanders and Sandra Chipley Kellogg

Foreword by Marvin E. Beck

Photographs by Mark Winslett

978-1-62349-928-0 Cloth 9 x 10 x 0 in 240 pp. 121 color, 34 b&w photos. 4 line art. 3 maps. Index. Pub Date: 08/12/2022 Available

• Cloth $40.00

Ebook edition available -

Book sample.

Media: Request a review copy

Professors: Exam copy availability

Related Subjects

Architecture

Texas History

Bastrop, Texas: a picturesque community of modest size located at the edge of the Lost Pines Forest in Central Texas. Yet, from its vantage point on the banks of the Colorado River, this town boasts 131 sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places, qualifying the community for its label: “Most Historic Small Town in Texas.”

In Historic Homes of Bastrop, Texas , local historian and researcher Robbie Moore Sanders has collected the stories behind nearly a hundred of the city’s most historic dwellings, most built between 1835 and 1950. Copiously illustrated and engaging, the book begins with a quick historical overview of the community that incorporates period photographs, historic floorplans and maps, and engaging stories about the people who built and lived in the homes. In addition, Sanders has provided beautiful, full-color photographs of the buildings as they exist today.

From the simple dwelling of a community activist to the ornate Victorian mansions of the wealthy, Sanders traces the narrative of this culturally rich community through the remarkably varied lives of its people and the houses they built. Readers with an interest in local history and culture and historic preservation as well as visitors to this popular tourist locale—recognized as a “Distinctive Destination” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation—will thoroughly enjoy Historic Homes of Bastrop, Texas .

Sara and John Lindsey Series in the Arts and Humanities

About the Author

Published by Texas A&M University Press

Of Related Interest

We have recently updated our  Privacy Policy . This outlines how and why we collect, store and use your personal data when you use our website.

Like most websites, we use cookies to improve our service and make your user experience better. See our updated  Privacy Policy  to find out more about cookies and how we use your data. Thank you.

Arts & Culture

• Arts And Culture

Bastrop is an Artistic Community

As Austin’s fast-growing neighbor, Bastrop is quickly becoming a destination for art lovers while gaining a reputation as Texas’ Most Historic Small Town. The historic Main Street and town are home to more than 130 notably distinguished homes and buildings. The Museum & Visitor Center offers guided tours starting at 904 Main Street. 

Bastrop is a city filled with charm and history, with so much to offer.  It offers a flourishing arts community to encourage a deeper appreciation for the arts through live-performance and live music. The art center, studios, shops,  and numerous galleries are sure to spark creativity and bring out the artist from within.

The First Friday Art Walk is an excellent opportunity to explore Bastrop’s art scene. Visitors and residents can shop in downtown Bastrop after hours, meet featured artists, dine at one of our fabulous restaurants and enjoy passing by public art displays. 

If you’re seeking out exceptional live music and theater, no need to look any further than Downtown Bastrop. Entertaining restaurants feature delectable food, beer, and live music from local groups to celebrate the evenings.

Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard

601 Chestnut St #C  Bastrop, TX 78602  http://www.neighborstx.com/

Relaxing hangout best enjoyed with pizza, beer and cocktails, and outdoor live music.

602 Brewing Company

919 Main St.  Bastrop, Texas  http://www.602brewing.com/

Indulge in Southern cuisine with a Cajun flair at 602 on Main. Recently remodeled from the 1890 business building it once was, it’s become an animated place to gather with friends, enjoy good food and handcrafted cocktails, while listening to live music. It’s also a perfect restaurant to bring your whole family, young and old.

The Grace Miller

706 Pine Street  Bastrop, TX 78602  https://www.facebook.com/graciesbastrop

Locally owned and operated, The Grace Miller is your one stop for old-fashioned comfort foods and year around live music.  Sit and enjoy chicken-fried and other southern classics. The evening will be full of bliss with good food and toe-tapping to the live band PotatoRoadBand.

Historic Tours

Step-on-bus tours.

https://www.bastropcountyhistoricalsociety.com/about2

Hop on the bus for the most popular tour requested by Bastrop’s visitors to learn about the history of Bastrop’s earliest families and buildings. The tour takes you along Pecan St., Main St., Church St. and Wilson St.

Tour of a Historic Home

Join a local homeowner and take a tour through one of the many historic homes.

Tour a Historic Church

Take a tour with a local docent through Calvary Episcopal Church or Bastrop First United Methodist to learn more about the significant buildings.

Walking Tour of the Historic District

With a local Bastrop County Historical Society member, take an engaging walk through the Historic District to learn about quaint Downtown Bastrop.

Lost Pines Art League

1204 Chestnut Street  Bastrop, TX 78602  http://www.lostpinesartcenter.org/

A group of local artists, a mixture of amateur and professional, are part of The Lost Pines Art League. Their work is showcased at the Lost Pines Art Center. The association was originally formed to promote local artists, along with educating and encouraging culture, and appreciation for art.  

Art By Ginger B

920 Main Street  Bastrop, Texas 78602  https://artbygingerb.com/

Ginger B., a Canadian-born artist, shows off her creative flair through vivid paintings and other original crafts.

Bastrop Art in Public Places

1311 Chestnut Street  Bastrop, TX 78602  https://www.baipp.org/

The mission of Bastrop Art in Public Places is to expand the access and enjoyment of art.  

Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center

904 Main Street  Bastrop, TX 78602  https://www.bastropcountyhistoricalsociety.com/

A yearning to learn more about the history of Bastrop and Bastrop County will lead you to the Museum. With artifacts that span more than 200 years, all visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation for Bastrop!

Deep in the Heart Art Foundry

405 S. Jackson Street (in the Bastrop Industrial Park)  Bastrop, TX 78602  http://deepintheheart.net/

As one of the few full-service foundries in the world, visitors are invited to tour and observe artists in the process of creating and gain a deeper knowledge of bronze casting.  

Kerr Community Center

1308 Walnut St   Bastrop, TX 78602  https://www.visitbastrop.com/listing/kerr-community-center/46/

Come and learn about Robert A. Kerr’s amazing contributions to the Bastrop African American community.

R.A. Green Mercantile

1022 Main Street  Bastrop, TX 78602  https://www.visitbastrop.com/listing/r-a-green-mercantile/5/

Looking to take a piece of Bastrop art, created by local artists, to carry home with you?  Visit R.A. Green Mercantile to find paintings, hand-crafted pottery, sculptures, and much more.

Monarch Art Gallery

920 Main Street  Bastrop, TX 78602  https://www.visitbastrop.com/listing/monarch-art-gallery/308/

Spend time with beautiful mosaics, photographs, paintings and portraits created by four different artists.

Painted Bunting Art & Gifts

920 Main Street  Bastrop, TX 78602  https://www.visitbastrop.com/listing/painted-bunting-art-%26-gifts/523/

The mission is to make everyone’s world a little more artful. Fine art and original gifts designed by three artists are at the center of the gallery.

Performing Arts

Bastrop opera house.

711 Spring Street  Bastrop, TX 78602  https://bastropoperahouse.org/

The historic1889 Bastrop Opera House is home to a wide range of live performances, including vaudeville, melodramas, comedies and musicals. They also offer acting and improv classes for children and adults.

Jerry Fay Wilhelm Center for the Performing Arts

1401 Cedar Street  Bastrop, TX 78602  https://explorebastropcounty.com/listings/jerry-fay-wilhelm-center-for-the-performing-arts/

Jerry Fay Wilhelm was a native of Bastrop and director of Bastrop High School’s U.I.L. One-Act-Plays for 27 years. The facility can be leased for events and includes a 1500-seat auditorium, 250-seat black box theatre, and multi-purpose room. 

Quality of Life

Welcome to it All

An Original Texas Town with a Fresh Approach to Life

Historic by Nature

A Destination for Art Lovers

Always Something Exciting

Bastrop TX Historic Homes For Sale

Bastrop texas historic homes built prior to 1968, leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Explore Our Blog

Local Events

Whether you find yourself in Bastrop, Elgin, Smithville or one of our smaller communities, there’s always something fun going on in Bastrop County. The area’s best events bring live music, great food, and unique activities to town, year after year, so when you find one you love, you can make it an annual tradition.

Back to All Events

• This event has passed.

Smithville Historic Tour of Homes 2023

November 11, november 11, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.

10:00am - 3:00pm

Event Navigation

• « Theatre 2023: Night of the Living Dead – The Musical
• Theater 2023: Love and Vinyl »

Smithville Texas Garden Club presents the annual Historic Tour of Homes, which includes five historic homes and a beautiful church, on Nov. 11, 2023 in conjunction with the Airing of the Quilts . Specific tour information will be publicized closer to date.

Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce , any Garden Club member or on the day of the event.

• Google Calendar
• Outlook 365
• Outlook Live

Related Events

Roadrunner Cup Rally Sprint Series 2024

The Patch at Community Gardens

Festival De La Cultura – Bastrop, Tx 2024