Bastrop County is centrally located in the state of Texas. As of the 2010 census the population was 74,171. Its county seat is Bastrop. The county was created in 1834 as a municipality of Mexico and recognized as a county by the Congress of the Republic of Texas in 1837. It is named for Felipe Enrique Neri, Baron de Bastrop, an early Dutch settler who assisted Stephen F. Austin in obtaining land grants in Texas. Bastrop County is included in the Austin-Round Rock, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area. In September 2011, Bastrop County suffered the most destructive wildfire in Texas history, which destroyed over 1,600 homes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 896 square miles (2,320 km2), of which 888 square miles (2,300 km2) is land and 7.4 square miles (19 km2) (0.8%) is water Bastrop County offers a business-friendly culture, great infrastructure, a community college, a talented workforce and dedicated partners – all in a beautiful setting. Our friendly nature makes Bastrop County ideal for tourists and the businesses that serve them. The county offers a wide variety of lodging facilities, hometown hospitality in its three historic cities, beautiful recreation areas and incredible entertainment venues.