With more than 130 sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Bastrop has been dubbed the “Most Historic Small Town in Texas.” The downtown area features historic buildings housing restaurants, businesses and quaint shops. Property owners in Bastrop take pride in their town, so it is not surprising that many of them have chosen asphalt for their pavement needs. For more than 30 years, the professionals at Alpha Paving have helped the people of Bastrop with the installation, maintenance and repair of asphalt pavement.
Bastrop’s Fascinating History
The first Europeans to reside at what is now the site of Bastrop were Spanish soldiers stationed at a fort that was built in 1804. The fort, Puesta del Colorado, was built at a strategic site where the road to San Antonio crossed the Colorado River. The town itself was platted in 1832 after Stephen F. Austin secured a land grant from the Mexican government.
Bastrop was named for a man who called himself Felipe Enrique Neri and claimed to be the Baron de Bastrop, a Dutch nobleman. After his death, his true identity came to light. His name was Philip Hendrik Nering Bogel, and he was not a member of the nobility but a commoner. While working as a tax collector in the Netherlands, he was accused of embezzlement. He fled to Louisiana and “reinvented” himself, finding temporary financial success by engaging in a variety of land deals. After moving to Texas, Bastrop became a close friend of Stephen F. Austin and was instrumental in securing grants for Austin to bring American settlers to Texas.
Bastrop died in 1827, and Austin named the newly founded town in honor of his friend. However, in 1834, the legislature voted to honor a Mexican revolutionary hero, Francisco Javier Mina, by renaming the town Mina. After Texas won its independence from Mexico, the name reverted to Bastrop.
Bastrop is home to the Lost Pines Forest, a stand of loblolly pines that was the only source of timber in the area. By 1839, Bastrop had begun supplying lumber for the rapidly growing town of Austin. Bastrop also supplied lumber to San Antonio as well as parts of Mexico and the western frontier settlements in Texas. The lumber industry contributed greatly to the town’s economy and growth.
Bastrop Today
Despite its proximity to Austin, Bastrop has remained a small town with fewer than 8,000 residents. Due to the area’s scenic beauty, several movies have been filmed partially or completely in or around Bastrop. These include “A Perfect World,” “Michael,” “Hope Floats” and 1974’s “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”
Asphalt Pavement in Bastrop
Asphalt is a remarkably long-lasting paving material, but to reach its potential lifespan, it needs to be cared for properly. Here are some of the most important procedures that property owners in Bastrop choose to protect and beautify their asphalt pavements.
• Asphalt Paving: Asphalt paving services include the construction of new roads and parking lots, the installation of speed bumps and the application of an asphalt overlay, which is a new layer of asphalt that is applied to existing pavement. The category also includes asphalt milling, a procedure that is often used to smooth transitions between different pavements, repair damage, adjust the pavement around manholes or level the pavement. Milling can also be used to correct drainage problems. Learn more about Asphalt Paving and Asphalt Overlays.
• Asphalt Repair: The most common asphalt repairs involve filling cracks or potholes in the pavement. Breaks in the pavement can allow water to seep beneath the pavement and damage the supporting foundation, resulting in costly repairs. Learn more about Asphalt Repair.
• Asphalt Sealcoating: Sealcoating is an important part of parking lot maintenance. Sealants protect against damage caused by UV rays and automotive fluids. Sealcoating also restores color to faded asphalt, enhancing the property’s curb appeal. Learn more about Asphalt Sealcoating.
• Concrete Work: Concrete remains a popular choice for sidewalks and curbs. In Bastrop, there are also many driveways and parking lots that have been built with concrete. Concrete is also a popular choice for ramps and ADA improvements. Learn more about Concrete.
Alpha Paving Industries
Alpha Paving Industries is an award-winning asphalt contractor with quality workmanship, superior customer service, and competitive rates. In Bastrop, TX our services include asphalt paving and asphalt overlays, sealcoating, road construction, street maintenance, concrete, parking lot maintenance, parking lot striping, asphalt repair, parking lot signs, asphalt milling, speed humps, parking lot car stops, power washing, sandblasting and ADA compliance. In Bastrop, TX our concrete services include ADA concrete, concrete curbing, concrete driveways, concrete ramps, concrete parking lots, and concrete sidewalks. To receive a free quote, complete the online form or call (512) 677-9001.