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

Race/Ethnicity: (In percent) Anglo, 61.4; Black, 9.3; Hispanic, 27.8; Asian, 0.8; Other, 0.8; Two or more races, 1.7.

Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 347; deaths, 272; marriages, 182; divorces, 125.

Recreation: Fishing, hunting; Stephen F. Austin 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 $33.1 million.

BELLVILLE (4,523) county seat; varied manufacturing; hospital; oil.

SEALY (6,946) oil-field and military vehicle manufacturing, varied industries; Blinn College branch; polka fest in March.

Other towns include: Bleiblerville (125); Brazos Country (494); Cat Spring (200); Frydek (900) Grotto celebration in April; Industry (337); Kenney (957); New Ulm (974) retail, art festival in April; San Felipe (847) colonial capital of Texas; Wallis (1,379) autofest in October.

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