History of Austin County, Texas
Austin County, Texas, located just west of Houston, is a region rich in history and culture, dating back to its earliest Native American inhabitants and continuing through European settlement, the Texas Revolution, and beyond. Established in 1837, Austin County was named in honor of Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas,” who played a crucial role in the colonization of Texas. Known for its picturesque landscapes, agricultural heritage, and historic towns, Austin County’s history is closely tied to the development of the Republic of Texas and the state’s early agricultural economy. Today, it remains a vibrant community with deep historical roots and a commitment to preserving its past.
Origins and Early History
Native American Presence
Before European settlers arrived in the area, Austin County was home to several Native American tribes, primarily the Tonkawa, Karankawa, and Atakapa tribes. These groups lived in the fertile plains and forests of what would later become Texas, relying on hunting, fishing, and agriculture for their sustenance. They used the region’s rivers and waterways for travel and trade and created temporary settlements near the area’s abundant natural resources.
In the early 1800s, as European settlers began moving into the region, conflicts over land and resources became common. The Native American tribes in the region were pushed further west as settlers encroached on their lands, and many were displaced through military campaigns by the U.S. government.
Spanish Exploration and Early Settlement
The Spanish were the first European settlers to explore the area that would become Austin County. In the late 1600s and early 1700s, Spanish explorers ventured into the area as part of their mission to expand the Spanish Empire and convert Native American tribes to Christianity. The first permanent European settlement in the region was established by the Spanish in 1718 in what is now San Antonio, but their influence in Austin County itself was limited.
Following Spain’s reign over Texas, the area came under the control of Mexico after its independence from Spain in 1821. During this period, Mexico began to encourage American settlers to move into Texas in order to strengthen its control over the region. This laid the groundwork for the later establishment of American colonies and the eventual independence of Texas.
Stephen F. Austin and the Early Colonization of Texas
Stephen F. Austin, a prominent American empresario (land grant commissioner), played a pivotal role in the early settlement of Texas, including the area that would become Austin County. Austin brought the first group of settlers, known as the “Old Three Hundred,” to Texas in 1821. These settlers were granted land by the Mexican government, and many settled along the Brazos River in what is now Austin County.
Austin County’s location along the Brazos River made it an ideal place for agriculture, especially cotton farming, which became the dominant industry of the region. The area’s fertile soil and temperate climate attracted many settlers, and communities began to form around established ranches and farms. During this period, the county was a part of the larger Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.
Texas Revolution and Independence
The Texas Revolution
The road to Texas’ independence from Mexico was long and contentious. Tensions between American settlers and the Mexican government grew during the 1830s, particularly over issues like the lack of political representation, restrictions on slavery, and the desire for self-governance. In 1835, open conflict broke out between Texian settlers and the Mexican army, beginning the Texas Revolution.
In 1836, the Battle of San Jacinto marked a decisive victory for the Texian forces, and Texas declared its independence from Mexico. While Austin County did not see any major battles during the revolution, the county’s residents were active participants in the struggle for independence. Many soldiers who fought at the Battle of San Jacinto came from the region, and some of the area’s towns played important roles as supply and recruiting centers.
Post-Revolutionary Austin County
After the Texas Revolution, Austin County was officially established in 1837, named after Stephen F. Austin. The county was one of the original counties in the newly formed Republic of Texas and became a hub of settlement and economic development. The arrival of new settlers, including German and Czech immigrants, further shaped the area’s cultural identity.
In the years following Texas’ victory in the revolution, Austin County grew rapidly, and the establishment of schools, churches, and towns helped to form the backbone of the region’s social and cultural fabric. The economic landscape of Austin County during this period was driven by agriculture, particularly cotton, cattle ranching, and the production of other crops, which were made possible by the region’s fertile soil and the expansion of the railroad system.
19th Century: Growth and Change
The Rise of Agriculture
In the 19th century, Austin County became a major agricultural center. The Brazos River served as a primary means of transportation for goods, and the fertile land supported large-scale farming operations. Cotton, in particular, became the crop of choice, with many wealthy landowners establishing plantations and relying on enslaved labor. The county’s economy flourished as cotton production grew.
The expansion of the railroad system in the latter half of the 19th century made it easier to transport agricultural goods to other parts of the state and beyond. The town of Bellville, in particular, became a key trading post, and nearby towns such as Sealy and Wallis also grew in importance.
The Civil War and Its Aftermath
Like much of Texas, Austin County played a role in the Civil War, with many residents supporting the Confederacy. While the region did not see large battles, local skirmishes occurred, and many young men from the county enlisted to fight for the South. The end of the war and the defeat of the Confederacy led to significant social and economic changes in Austin County. The abolition of slavery meant that the county’s economy had to shift, with many former enslaved people seeking employment on farms or in other industries.
Reconstruction brought changes in political leadership and a difficult period of rebuilding for the county, as it did for much of the South. However, the economic foundation of agriculture remained strong, and by the late 19th century, Austin County was recovering from the war and moving forward.
20th Century: Modernization and Growth
The Growth of Towns and Infrastructure
The early 20th century saw continued growth in Austin County, particularly in its towns and cities. The expansion of the railroad system, along with the development of new highways, connected Austin County more effectively to Houston and other parts of Texas. Bellville and Sealy, in particular, became centers of commerce, while agricultural practices evolved to incorporate new technologies and farming techniques.
Austin County’s economy also diversified beyond cotton farming. Livestock farming and dairy production became increasingly important, and the region began to see more industrial activity, including the establishment of oil refineries and manufacturing plants in nearby Houston.
The Development of Tourism and Cultural Preservation
In the mid-20th century, Austin County began to capitalize on its rich historical and cultural heritage by promoting tourism. The county’s role in the Texas Revolution and its historic towns drew visitors from all over the state. Historical sites, including preserved homes, museums, and monuments to the Texas Revolution, became popular tourist destinations.
Austin County’s commitment to preserving its historical and cultural identity remains strong to this day, with a number of historical landmarks and sites still standing. These sites serve as a reminder of the region’s storied past and offer a glimpse into the way life once was in early Texas.
Historical Sites in Austin County
1. Austin County Courthouse
Overview
The Austin County Courthouse in Bellville is a beautiful example of 19th-century Texas architecture. Built in 1895, the courthouse is still in use today and serves as a center for county government. Its architecture blends classical and Victorian elements, and the courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Location
1 E. Main St, Bellville, TX
Ticket Price
Free
Parking Information
Parking is available around the courthouse square.
2. San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site
Overview
The San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site preserves the site of the headquarters of Stephen F. Austin’s colony, the first American colony in Texas. The site includes exhibits about the history of the Texas colonization, the struggles of early settlers, and the importance of the area during the Texas Revolution.
Location
2200 State Hwy 159, San Felipe, TX
Ticket Price
$5 for adults, $2 for children
Parking Information
Ample parking is available on-site.
3. Sealy Historical Museum
Overview
The Sealy Historical Museum showcases the rich history of Sealy, from its founding in the mid-19th century to its role in the region’s development. Exhibits cover the city’s agricultural history, the railroad, and local events. The museum also contains artifacts from the Texas Revolution and Civil War.
Location
2007 Main St, Sealy, TX
Ticket Price
Free
Parking Information
Free parking is available at the museum.
4. Wallis Heritage Museum
Overview
The Wallis Heritage Museum highlights the history of Wallis, a town established in the 19th century. Exhibits include early farm equipment, photos, and memorabilia from the town’s founding, as well as its role in local agriculture and community life.
Location
405 W. 1st St, Wallis, TX
Ticket Price
Free
Parking Information
Street parking is available around the museum.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Austin County is located in southeastern Texas, approximately 50 miles west of Houston. The county is part of the Gulf Coast region and is characterized by flat terrain, fertile soil, and numerous rivers, including the Brazos River. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is fairly consistent throughout the year, and the region occasionally experiences severe weather, including thunderstorms and hurricanes.
Key Facts
- Year Founded: 1837
- County Seat: Bellville
- Population: 30,000 (estimated 2020)
- Population Density: 73 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Sealy, Bellville, Wallis, San Felipe
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 90A, Texas Highway 36, Texas Highway 159
- Adjacent Counties: Harris County (east), Fort Bend County (south), Waller County (north), Washington County (west)