Surroundings, Austin

Bastrop (pop. 6,500) is a scenic little town on the Colorado River. It has more than 125 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, many of which line Main Street.The area offers a wealth of recreational opportunities with three 18 hole golf courses, hiking and biking trails, and the Colorado River for fishing, boating and water sports.

Smithville (pop. 4,700), an agriculture center, features an historic downtown, with antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

The origins of the town date back to the late 1800's when it developed as a railroad community. In 1973 a prehistoric archeological site was found just east of the city. Among the finds was a 10,000 - 13,000 year old female skeleton which was named Leanderthal Lady. A historical marker indicates the location of the find.

Claude, being the seat of Armstrong County, is home to the Armstrong County Museum. The museum also features displays on the county's history, including an exhibit on the local Boy Scouts, which is one of the oldest troops in the West.The Gem Theatre is located next door and hosts a variety of musical shows.

Sterling B. McCall, Jr. began collecting the cars for the Sterling McCall Old Car Museum in 1979 when a Toyota customer drove a 1927 Ford Model T Doctors Coupe into his dealership to trade in on a new 1979 Toyota Corolla. The museum houses over 80 cars ranging from 1920-60.

Bryan (pop. 55,000) was established in 1860 with the arrival of the Texas Central Railroad. Today it is a city based on agriculture and industry, and is a commercial and educational center for the area.

The museum and library houses a collection of records, documents, and memorabilia from George Bush. One section of the library is devoted to Barbara Bush.

The town developed around Fort Croghan. The area is known for its granite outcroppings and is popular with rockhounds. Nearby Ink Lake provides recreational opportunities for those interested in water activities.

This small town was founded by the Southern Pacific Railroad. The area was settled by a variety of immigrants, many of whom came from Eastern European countries. The town still celebrates a number of Czech traditions.

The town was settled in 1873 under the name Jackson Station, and was located on the Texas and New Orleans Railroad. The name was later changed by the German settlers to Weimar. The German heritage is still an influence in the town.

Giddings (pop. 4,700) was settled primarily by Wendish immigrants when the H&TC Railroad was laid between Brenham and Austin. The town is know for being the town were Bill Longley was hanged in 1878.

Located in Round Top (pop. 100) is the Winedale Historical Center, a complex consisting of a visitor's center, restored historic structures, a log barn converted into a theater, and conference center, along with hiking trails and gardens.

The small town of Rosanky is located south of Bastrop and southeast of Austin. Over the past 150 years the population of the town has fluctuated between 100 and just over 200, where it remains today.

Boating is very popular on Lake Travis. It starts at Mansfield Dam and ends at the Tom Miller Dam in the city of Austin.

Inn the 1870'sLockhart (pop 12,000) was the southern terminus of the Chisholm Trail. Today the city is a major agriculture and oil area.

The museum houses memorabilia from members of the community.