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The quintessential historic landscape includes cobbled streets, winding roads, and aged stone
structures that rise in turrets against the sky. It is a picturesque scene you might expect to see
across Europe and, perhaps, in historic cities along the early-settled East Coast...but in Texas?
A Grand Era Visibly Unforgotten
Settled in 1846 by brothers Thomas and James Bell, the 145-acre plot of Bellville, Texas is
reminiscent of a classic historic city and for good reason. The city, which celebrated its sesqui-
centennial (150th anniversary) in 1998, is a physical timeline of the past century and a half
in Texas history.
As the seat of Austin County, Bellville was platted and centered around the courthouse and
town square. Though the courthouse no longer stands, images of the stately, historic land-
mark portray its towering structure and elegant architecture. The town square still exists,
however, and boasts a tour-worthy number of historic structures and landmarks.
With Bellville's population at only 300, until the Santa Fe Railroad arrived in 1888 and the
town quickly tripled in size, Bellville thrived economically as it approached the turn of the
century. As farmers were the main residents, cotton and other agricultural products were
the city's major industries. When oil was discovered nearby in 1915, the town continued to
develop and grow.
Home Sweet Home
In its 150-year history, Bellville has been home to many buildings and homes that are now
historically-protected. The Bellville Historical Society's website details the background of the
city's structures: "The many markers in the area chronicle events from the early days of Texas,
both as a republic and later as a state." Plaques recognize the county's original school sites,
the Austin County Jail, and other notable buildings and homes throughout the town square
and residential district.
A can't-miss self-guided tour drops you on the doorstep of such structures as the John Bell
Lewis house, whose owner was the grandson of George Washington's sister, the Austin Coun-
ty Jail, and many homes of Stephen F. Austin's "Original 300." The homes range in style
from Victorian to "airplane bungalow," and the Austin County Jail, a Romanesque-Revival
style structure, resembles a castle.
Both Reinventing & Remembering
Though it has seen many changes in its 150 years, Bellville still retains the historical sig-
nificance and integrity of its landscape. The 1846 courthouse square maintains its original
structure, while other historic buildings now house unique and unusual places of business.
Charming bed & breakfasts pay homage to the town's history, while events and festivals in-
vite residents and visitors to enjoy the city. Because of this, Bellville continues to grow while
cherishing and displaying its history. This small town in Texas honors the landmarks of its
past, while still living within the walls of the present, seamlessly merging the modern and
historical periods from its rich history.
To learn more about Bellville, visit the Chamber of Commerce website at
www.bellville.com, contact Tammy Hall (bellvillechamber@sbcglobal.net;
979.865.3407) or visit their office at 10 South Holland Street.
These photos reproduced
courtesy of The Bellville
Historical Society
By Emily Barnby