Bellville was originally settled in 1822.
We are proud to share our history with you.

Bellville was named for brothers Thomas and James Bell, who immigrated from Florida in 1822 as some of Stephen F. Austin's earliest settlers. They donated over 145 acres to Austin County at this site for a new townsite to replace San Felipe as the county seat. The offer was accepted by voters in 1846 and the new town was platted in 1848, soon called Bellville by popular vote.

As Bellville would be the county seat, the district surveyor, Mr. D. Charles Amthor platted the town to center around the Courthouse and town square. Churches, a log cabin, and a wooden courthouse were the first public structures in town. The first hotel opened in 1849. Most of the residents were farmers, and the town grew slowly until the coming of the Santa Fe Railroad in 1880. This brought a rapid increase in population and business development. With the coming of the railroad, the population of Bellville rose from 300 people to 1,000 residents within three years. The railroad created a market outlet for cotton and other agricultural products, as well as providing transportation to Houston, Galveston, and other faraway places. Many large homes were built during this period, and commerce and government had its impact on the city. The Courthouse Square remains as it was laid out in 1846 and many of the historic buildings have now been transformed into a collection of unusual and unique shops and businesses. 

In 1883, there were six saloons on the square alone. Local legend tells the story that Irish immigrants were brought in to construct the railroad and bridge over Mill Creek. On Saturday nights a flatcar was used to bring them into town and later they were loaded back on the railcar (in a horizontal position) to take them back to the work camp. Bellville is a city rich in local Texas history. 

The many historical markers in the area chronicle incidents from the early days of Texas, both as a republic and later as a state. Noted with plaques are the original school sites in the county, over 170 cemetery locations (some on private property), the Austin County Jail as well as many buildings and homes located around the town square and in the residential districts.

Historic Austin County Jail Museum Tours

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This Austin County Jailhouse,
built in 1896, has been turned into a Museum.
This historical landmark is a visitor’s treasure and the exhibits are fun & educational and an insight to some of Austin County’s early history.

Tours Saturdays 11am–3pm,
or by appointment 979-877-8814 or 713-385-7141

Just one block from the downtown square
at 36 S. Bell Street.

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The previous Austin County Courthouse, built in 1854, stood proudly in the center of the downtown square, where it became the centerpiece of activity for the surrounding area. Unfortunately it was destroyed by fire in 1960, but the historic downtown square continues to draw people from afar with it's historic buildings housing unique shops that are sure to satisfy any shopper's curiosity.
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The Austin County Fair Parade has been one of those events that people flock to Bellville for, with the parade beginning around the historic square and following down South Main Street and up the hill to the fairgrounds and the historic Turnverein Pavilion, which was built in 1897 and still in use today.
In the late 1800’s Bellville had two organizations that sponsored community-wide social activities. In 1883 the Social Club purchased this 14.7 acres of land from Herman Miller for the sum of $760 and had planned construction of a pavilion that didn’t materialize. In 1885 the Bellville Turnverein Gut Heil was formed by German immigrants – encouraging gymnastics (turnen) and athletics, a club (verein) for good health (gut heil). With the need for a place for community-wide social activities including physical exercise, dances, celebrations and meetings, they purchased the property in 1895 from the Social Club. In August of 1897, a contract was let to German immigrant carpenter Joachim Hintz of Milheim to build a social hall. The hall, which seated up to 400 for dances, was completed in October of 1897 at a cost of $2,500.
For more information about our history and download Tour Guides on Historic Downtown and Historic Homes
visit BellvilleHistoricalSociety.org
The old courthouse clock tower bell is proudly displayed at the entrance of the current Austin County Courthouse. The square remains as it was laid out in 1846, and many of the
historic buildings have been transformed into a wide variety of unique boutiques & shops.
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Bellville Turnverein Pavilion Restoration Project website
But people tend to move here for more than just the bulls, beer & BBQ. Plenty of local get togethers, shopping, parks, and more - all in a quiet, small-town atmosphere. Who knows, someday your home could be right next to ours.
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Historic homes of varying architectural styles can be found throughout Bellville as well.

You can download a Historic Homes Tour brochure at BellvilleHistoricalSociety.org

Bellville is the county seat of historic Austin County,
the Colonial Capital of Texas.
And just an 18-mile drive south of Bellville is historic San Felipe de Austin,
The Colonial Capital of Texas, where Texas got it's start.
Learn about the early history of San Felipe at the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site. The site preserves a portion of the townsite of San Felipe de Austin that served as the colonial capital of Texas. Visitors also explore the life of Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," and his impact on the settlement and independence of Texas.

On a picturesque bluff overlooking the Brazos River, the story of Austin and the pioneers that followed him to Texas is told through exhibits in the new 10,000 square-foot musuem, statues, monuments, historical markers, a replica cabin and the Josey Store.

TEXAS' NEWEST HISTORY MUSEUM
The new San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site Museum opened in late April 2018 with state-of-the-art displays. The site offers visitors a chance to see unique objects on display including a desk that once belonged to Stephen F. Austin, an 1830s cast iron printing press, and many artifacts recovered during archeological investigations at the site.

Tour Villa de Austin, the outdoor exhibit including several reconstructed log cabins and get a glimpse of life in San Felipe de Austin almost 200 years ago, including what residents ate and how it was prepared with the new bake oven and kitchen buildings in the Villa de Austin.

The outdoor attractions are open daily with no admission fee.
The visitors center is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

220 2nd Street, San Felipe, Texas
VisitSanFelipeDeAustin.com 
Facebook.com/SanFelipedeAustin

If you happen to be visiting anywhere from the north or west of Bellville, you'll find it an easy drive through Bellville to get to San Felipe, which gives you a chance for a quick stop by our Stephen F. Austin bust on Hwy. 36 on the north side of town, and maybe take a selfie with the big guy himself.
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Visit The Colonial Capital of Texas website of the Friends of San Felipe de Austin for more detailed information about this very important historic site.

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