A SHORT, EARLY HISTORY OF SMITHVILLE, TEXAS

The present site of Smithville was established by Dr. Gazley, who received a Mexican land grant in 1829 and settled here in 1837, following the Texas Revolution. He was a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico. He became a judge, was elected Republic of Texas Congressman, and operated a store about where 2nd Street meets Highway 95 until his death in 1853. 

Developments around Dr. Gazley's store and settlement sprang up and the community became known as "Smithville", after early settler, William Smith and his family. 

The first church was organized in 1871, and the Post Office, established on August 23, 1876, put Smithville on the map! It was described in May, 1879, as a "thriving village". 

The rural community evolved to around seventeen families, but that changed in 1886-87, when it became known that a railroad was to be laid through the area. Murray Burleson and his partners quickly purchased land and formed the Smithville Town Company. Burleson donated land to the Taylor, Bastrop and Houston Railroad Company to encourage the establishment of a terminus (a terminal train station serving as an end destination) at Smithville. One the 4th of July, 1886, the first passenger train blew its way into the little town! In October, 1886, the railroad was renamed the Taylor, Bastrop and Houston. By 1890, the population had grown to 600 people.

With new folks coming into town, business and industry began to develop, centered around the Main Street which ended at the railroad line. The earliest industry was a steam cotton gin and grist mill established by George W. Jones in 1890.

The railroad merged with the Missouri, Kansas and Texas in 1891 and the biggest population boost came when the MKT, or "Katy", established its central shops in Smithville in 1894, and the population quickly doubled to about 2,500 residents.

Construction of both brick and wooden commercial structures and residences began at a feverish pace near the railroad tracks. 

The City of Smithville was finally incorporated on March 20, 1895, with a population of about 2,500. Almost immediately, the school district was established, a strong beginning for the importance of schools in Smithville. The first bridge was built across the Colorado River at the north end of Main Street in 1900 to replace the ferries. 

The city's population reached a peak of 4,200 during World War II when many families of soldiers stationed at Camp Swift took room and board in Smithville homes. For many years, it had the largest population of any town in Bastrop County. 

Now Smithville is a Preserve America Community, with both Commercial and Residential Historic Districts. Many structures have Historic Markers from the State of Texas or the National Historic Register, and a growing population interested in protecting its historic, hometown atmosphere. On behalf of the Smithville Heritage Society and its many community partners, Welcome to Smithville!