The small town of Bertram came into being quite suddenly in the summer of 1882, when lots were sold along the route of the new railroad track. Residents of several older communities which had been by-passed by the railroad (most notably, South Gabriel) moved whole buildings to the new townsite, which was named after Rudolph Bertram, the largest shareholder in Austin and Northwestern Railroad.

The town grew and prospered, becoming one of Burnet County’s main social and commercial centers for the mostly-agricultural economy by the early 1900s. Beginning in 1903, Bertram hosted the Burnet County Fair. In 1928, the population reached 1,000, and local gins shipped more than 11,000 bales of cotton, but the Great Depression hit Bertram hard, and almost half the population was gone by 1931.

Dozens of historic buildings remain from Bertram’s heyday, and the population has grown rapidly in recent years. Bertram’s 125th birthday, celebrated June 16 of this year, was a joyous occasion marked by costumed residents, rail passengers arriving at the re-constructed depot on the Austin Steam Train Association’s Hill Country Flyer, live music, horse-and-buggy rides, a parade, unveiling of historical markers at the depot and burying of a time capsule and other activities. A history exhibit was held at the Lewis Construction building, and costumed “hawkers” sold reprints of historic Bertram newspapers.

Bertram has regained the spirit that made it such a thriving town in its early days, and the future looks bright. Visit www.bertramtx.com for information on attractions and future events, then visit Bertram itself, for a very pleasant experience. ...

Read the entirety of this article in the print edition.

Subscribe online — it's quick and easy