Centered on renowned Blackland Prairie agricultural region, this community is named for John T. Bartlett, who donated the town site to the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad. Divided by Bell and Williamson county lines, history has it that enterprising saloon proprietors had to take advantage of the boundary bisecting their business [a bar on wheels] and accommodate both counties' laws.

The Bartlett Historic Commercial District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is a two-block area of early 20th-century buildings housing quality arts and crafts, plus fine antiques. Red brick streets, replica street lamps and corner benches with flower pots add to turn-of-the-century nostalgia.