The Freedom Colonies of Bastrop County: A Legacy of Resilience and Community

In the quiet rural corners of Bastrop County, Texas, a powerful legacy of resilience, self-determination, and cultural preservation lives on in the form of freedom colonies—African American communities established by formerly enslaved people in the wake of Emancipation. Though many of these communities are no longer marked on maps, their historical and cultural significance continues to shape the identity of Bastrop County today.

What Were Freedom Colonies?

Freedom colonies emerged after the Civil War and Juneteenth (June 19, 1865), when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom. With limited resources but an abundance of hope and determination, many of the newly emancipated sought land, safety, and solidarity. They formed rural settlements where Black families could live independently, farm, build churches and schools, and support one another outside the structures of systemic racism.

Unlike cities with official incorporation, these communities were often informally organized but deeply rooted in family, land, and legacy.

Bastrop County’s Freedom Colonies

Bastrop County is home to at least 14 known freedom colonies, with the possibility of more being rediscovered through oral history and archival research. These colonies were scattered across the county, often in forested or agricultural areas where families could own and work the land. Among the most notable are:

1. St. Mary’s Colony

Located in western Bastrop County near Pilot Knob, this colony was formed by freedmen who initially worked on the Doyle and Patton plantations. Over time, residents acquired land and created a thriving community centered around St. Mary’s Church and later, a Rosenwald School. Although many residents moved to Austin in the 20th century, descendants still gather there annually for reunions.

2. Flower Hill

Once a flourishing rural settlement southeast of Smithville, Flower Hill is now classified as a ghost town. However, the Flower Hill Baptist Church and cemetery remain as historic testaments to its rich past. Preservation efforts continue to maintain the site and honor the ancestors buried there.

3. Cedar Creek Colony

Near the current Cedar Creek community, this settlement developed its own church, school, and farming traditions. Many families from this colony went on to influence civic life in Bastrop County and beyond.

4. Elgin and Pleasant Grove Area Colonies

In the northern region near Elgin, several freedom colonies—including Pleasant Grove—were known for their close-knit church communities and cooperative land-sharing practices.

5. Colorado and Antioch Colonies

South of Smithville, these communities took root along the Colorado River, where fertile land enabled agricultural independence. Churches and family cemeteries remain as key markers of their presence.

Preserving Their Stories

Many of these freedom colonies are not visible to the untrained eye. You won’t always find street signs or historical plaques marking their locations. Instead, their memory lives on through:

• Oral histories passed down through generations.

• Churches and cemeteries that still serve as community gathering sites.

• Mapping and documentation efforts such as the Texas Freedom Colonies Project, which catalogs and preserves the stories of these communities.

Locally, the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center has played a pivotal role in gathering and showcasing these histories. Community quilts, digital maps, and public events are used to honor the legacy and keep it alive for future generations.

Why They Matter Today

Freedom colonies represent more than a historical footnote—they are symbols of agency, strength, and cultural identity. They demonstrate how, even in the face of generational trauma and systemic barriers, Black Texans built futures rooted in faith, family, and land ownership.

Understanding and honoring these places allows all residents of Bastrop County to acknowledge a more complete version of local history—one that celebrates the courage and contribution of African American communities that helped shape this region.

How You Can Get Involved

• Visit: Historic cemeteries, churches, and family reunions (such as those at St. Mary’s Colony) often welcome visitors interested in history and preservation.

• Support: Donate to or volunteer with organizations like the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center or the Texas Freedom Colonies Project.

• Learn: Ask elders, attend cultural events, and explore digital archives to understand how these communities continue to evolve and influence local life.

A Living Heritage

Though many of the freedom colonies in Bastrop County have physically faded, their spirit remains strong. As descendants reclaim land, restore buildings, and gather for annual reunions, they ensure that the legacy of freedom colonies is not lost—but honored, remembered, and sustained.

Sources:

• Freedom Colonies Project, Texas A&M University

• Bastrop County African American Cultural Center

• Explore Bastrop County: https://explorebastropcounty.com

• See Austin Area Houses Blog: Freedom Colonies of Bastrop County

• KUT Austin, “For Juneteenth, Bastrop residents sew their history into quilts” (2024)

  
  

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