Region: Prairies and Lakes
Bellville is the seat of Austin County, one of the original counties in
Texas. In 1848, Bellville was established as the seat of government on land
given to the county by Thomas Bell, one of Stephen F. Austin's original 300
colonists, for whom the city was named. The first issue of The Bellville
Times was published in 1879, and the newspaper is still in business today.
The subtropical climate is excellent for hay, sorghum, corn, rice and oats.
Cattle farms are abundant. In spring, fields come alive with bluebonnets and
other wildflowers.
A guide to many fine turn-of-the-century homes and downtown buildings,
produced by the Bellville Historical Society, is available at www.bellvillehistoricalsociety.com.
Shoppers find an abundance of antique and craft shops offering handmade items
in historic buildings around the square. Bed-and-breakfast accommodations in
historic buildings.