1904 Map of Bastrop

About this map

The Colorado River snakes through the heart of this Central Texas landscape, defining the agricultural and social geography of the region as it appeared at the turn of the century. Large river bends like Pope Bend and Hardeman Bend are punctuated by critical river crossings such as Nashs Ferry and Burleson Ferry, which served as vital links before modern bridging. The map reveals a robust rail-and-river economy, with the Missouri Kansas and Texas RR and the Houston and Texas Central RR intersecting the landscape, facilitating the growth of settlements like Elgin and Smithville. Local industry is evidenced by a Coal Mine situated north of the river, while community life is anchored by landmarks like Colorado Chapel and smaller family-associated locales such as Manors Store and Hills Prairie. These details offer a clear view of the transition from rural frontier settlements to established rail towns.