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Physical Features: Level to hilly, drained by San Bernard, Brazos rivers; black prairie to sandy upland soils.

Economy: Agribusiness; tourism, government/services; metal, other manufacturing; commuting to Houston.

History: Tonkawa Indian tribal area; reduced by diseases. Birthplace of Anglo-American colonization, 1821, and German mother colony at Industry, 1831. County created and organized in 1837; named for Stephen F. Austin, father of Texas.

Race/Ethnicity: (In percent) Anglo, 62.0; Black, 9.5; Hispanic, 27.1; Asian, 0.7; Other, 0.8; Two or more races, 1.4.

Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 347; deaths, 272; marriages, 173; divorces, 107.

Recreation: Fishing, hunting; state park, Pioneer Trail; Bellville Country Livin’ festival in April; Lone Star Raceway Park.

Minerals: Oil and natural gas.

Agriculture: Beef production and hay. Also rice, corn, sorghum, nursery crops, grapes, pecans. Market value $43.5 million.

BELLVILLE (4,375) county seat; varied manufacturing; hospital; oil.

SEALY (6,722) oil-field and military vehicle manufacturing, varied industries; Blinn College branch; polka fest in March.

Other towns include: Bleiblerville (125); Brazos Country (501); Cat Spring (200); Frydek (900) Grotto celebration in April; Industry (330); Kenney (957); New Ulm (974) retail, art festival in April; San Felipe (815) colonial capital of Texas; Wallis (1,316) autofest in October.

The old Austin County Jail in Bellville. Photo by Larry D. Moore (CC).