Region: Prairies and Lakes
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. In 1878, the community had three residences. Divided by Bell
and Williamson county lines, history has it that enterprising saloon proprietors
took advantage of the county line dissecting their business by having a bar on
wheels to accommodate laws in both counties.
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. Streets paved in red brick link
predominant red masonry construction. Replica street lamps and corner benches
with flower pots add to turn-of-the-century nostalgia.