Bastrop, Texas "Home of the Lost Pines"     Baron de Bastrop, born Philip Hendrik Nering Bögel, like so many others, came to Texas to make a fresh beginning in life. In 1806 he settled in San Antonio, operating a freighting business and impressing the locals enough to be appointed an alcalde. He interceded with Governor Antonio Martinez on behalf of Moses Austin, later becoming a friend and coworker of Stephen F. Austin. His judicious handling of Mexican officials smoothed the way for Austin and his colony. Elected a representative for Texas in the new state of Coahuila and Texas, he favored the interests of settlers and helped get a port established at Galveston. Although he had fled Holland under accusations of embezzlement, Baron de Bastrop died a respected diplomat and legislator with hardly a penny to his name. Baron de Bastrop and Stephen F. Austin,* Artist: Rod Timanus** Stephen F. Austin named the settlement on the Colorado River in the lone stand of pines after his good friend, the baron.

About the Baron de Bastrop Chapter of the DRT

*Copy this picture for nonprofit use only; please give credit to artist Rod Timanus. **Author and illustrator of numerous books, Rod Timanus used Henry McArdle's depiction of Baron de Bastrop in his Settlement of Austin's Colony as his inspiration for the baron. "McArdle was a stickler for portrait accuracy," Rod explains. Don't be shy about emailing Rod for your artistic needs. "I work cheap," he jokes. You can also find Rod at his photography shop, Tumbleweed Tillie's Olde Tyme Photos, in the Rock Springs Cafe at Black Canyon City, AZ.

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