Gail Bartlett (254) 760 0250

Belton, TX Area Guide

Belton is a unique city located deep in the heart of Texas. Brimming with friendly people and a rich history, Belton had a population of 14,623 as of the 2000 census. Belton is a city in and the county seat of Belly County. Please continue reading below to discover just a bit of what life is and was like in Belton, Texas. To learn more beyond what is offered here, please visit Belton’s official website at: http://www.ci.belton.tx.us/.

Belton History
In August of 1850, the new pioneer town of Belton was laid out in blocks, streets, and lots with the courthouse public square the center. It was designated County seat for the newly organized Bell County. Incorporated in 1852, it was the only town in the County and was the last place of civilization seen by the pioneers heading West by horseback or wagon train.

In 1853, a two-story log jail was built followed by a school, hotel, church, saloons, stores and other businesses. Most were log buildings or pole shacks, but with a new surge of people, more permanent buildings were built. Stores were erected using native stone and were two-story with the business on the first floor, family quarters on the second. A number of these stores have survived and are still in use. The A.D. Potts building, built in the late 1860's, not only is still in use but is still owned by the Potts family.

In 1858, the County commissioners built a new courthouse that replaced the first log cabin courthouse which had become completely inadequate for the population the County served. Citizens were outraged at the new building, so they voted out of office every commissioner, replacing them with more conservative men. It was 26 years before a third and final courthouse was approved and built.

Over a thousand Bell County and Belton men joined the Confederate Army and Belton women did their part by meeting daily at the courthouse to sew clothing for the soldiers on the town’s only one sewing machine. As the War progressed, supplies and inventories, as well as currency dwindled and many stores were forced to close. War's end, and defeat, saw all elected officials from the Governor to Mayors replaced with Union appointees. Federal troops patrolled the streets of Belton giving little protection to the citizens and their property. Outlaws roamed the area stealing, assaulting and killing to such an extent that Belton men decided to do something. In the dark of the night, bands of horsemen arrived at the County jail where ten prisoners were jailed. The horsemen dismounted, moved into the jail and shot nine men to death. It is said that for decades after, outlaws rode wide around Belton. Sam Bass, on his way to rob a bank, refused to enter Belton, saying "Those Belton men are too tough for me".

The 1870's saw a boom with building, new businesses and new enterprises. A Belton group organized the Belton Telegraph company that was chartered and extended to Round Rock where it joined Western Union. The telegraph provided daily quotes of the cotton market, necessary for an area where cotton was King. The 1870's also saw the formation of the now famous Belton Woman's Commonwealth, a loosely organized group that in retrospect seems more a battered wives' refuge than a utopian commune.

Belton met its first setback in 1881 paid the Santa Fe railroad representatives, but shortly found itself duped out of a railroad in Belton. They sued and after many years, the Supreme Court finally ended the case in favor of Belton. Meanwhile, they contracted with the M.K. & T. and by 1882, the Katy's depot was built a block from the courthouse. Belton soon went "modern" with a water system and mains throughout town, an electric and telephone companies, a fire department, lumber yard, flour mill, plus newspapers, and banks. There was also a brand new college - Baylor Female College, now the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. Two beautiful parks, still maintained by the City of Belton, were acquired during these decades: the Confederate Park, donated to the City by citizens honoring the ex-Confederate Veterans; and the Yettie Tobler Polk Park, commemorating Mrs. Polk and her four children who drowned in a devastating flood that inundated Belton in 1913.

Belton got into severe financial difficulties before the Great Depression, but managed to work its way out by the 1970's. World War II and the arrival of Fort Hood to the County brought economic relief and a surge of growth. Two large lakes built during this time provide tourist attractions and IH-35 makes Belton attractive to industries and businesses. To learn this and more about the history of Belton, please visit: http://www.ci.belton.tx.us/index.aspx?nid=128

Parks and Recreation
Belton is home to a fabulous Parks and Recreation Department that is dedicated to providing clean, safe, and well-maintained outdoor recreation spaces and park lands for visitors and residents alike. The Parks and Recreation Department takes pride in maintaining all City owned athletic fields, pavilions, and concession areas. Park facilities are available to rent for private parties and may be done by phone, fax, or in person at the Harris Community Center.

Attractions and Events
Belton is home to a variety of wonderful attractions and events that draw people from all over the globe annually. Come and see what Belton has to offer you and your family. With a wide array of attractions ranging from water parks, rodeos, multitudes of shopping opportunities, and top-rated restaurants, make Belton your next destination.

Belton Rodeo
http://www.rodeobelton.com/

Summer Fun Water Park
http://summerfunwaterpark.com/

Bell County Museum
http://www.bellcountytx.com/Museum/

Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation
http://www.hoodmwr.com/lake_activities.htm

Belton Market Days
http://www.downtownbelton.com/market_days

Central Texas State Fair
http://www.centraltexasstatefair.com/