String Prairie is an unincorporated community in Bastrop County, Texas, United States.[1] According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had a population of 125 in 2000. It is located within the Greater Austin metropolitan area.

String Prairie, Texas
Unincorporated community
String Prairie Show map of Texas String Prairie Show map of the United States
Coordinates: 29°53′08″N 97°20′48″W
Country	United States
State	Texas
County	Bastrop
Elevation	505 ft (154 m)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
Area code(s)	512 & 737
GNIS feature ID	1369285[1]

History

Settlement of String Prairie began before the Civil War. A post office was established at String Prairie in 1886 and remained in operation until 1929, with George Zimmerman as the first postmaster. By 1890, the town had a general store, a cotton gin, and a pharmacist. From 1890 to 1914, String Prairie's population rose from 25 to 400. With growth, the community added new businesses, including three blacksmith shops, grocery and drug stores, as well as a millinery establishment.[2] Then and now, St. Mary's Catholic Church has been a hub of social life.[3]

The population declined through the remainder of the decade and by 1930, had returned to only 25 individuals. However, following World War II, it increased to 50, in the late 1940s, and then to 75, in the late 1960s. Over the next 40 years, it grew to 125.[4]

Today, String Prairie is an attractive spot for people seeking real estate in the vicinity of Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. Local farmers and ranchers raise cattle and other livestock and grow hay and organic foodstuffs.[3]

Geography

Located on Texas State Highway 304, the town is 5 miles (8.0 km) southwest of Rosanky and 45 miles (72 km) southeast of Austin. It is also located 20 mi (32 km) west of Bastrop.[4]

Education

In 1924, residents built a one-teacher school using funds acquired through a fifty-cent school tax.[2] Today, the community is served by the Smithville Independent School District.

References