Afterwards, he moved to Texas, where he claimed to oppose the sale of Louisiana to the United States and became a minor government official.

In the 19th century, it was notable as the western edge of the great North Louisiana swamp, but more favorable terrain resulted in the antebellum rail line connecting to Monroe, further to the south.

Bastrop was a Confederate stronghold during the American Civil War until January 1865, when 3,000 cavalrymen led by Colonel Embury D. Osband of the 3rd United States Colored Cavalry Regiment, embarked from Memphis, Tennessee, for northeastern Louisiana.

[6] Celebrations and concerts are held in the historic downtown at the restored 1914 Morehouse Parish Courthouse and Rose Theater.

Volunteers lead heritage appreciation tours for children and interpret the history of the parish using local artifacts.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Bastrop has a total area of 8.59 square miles (22.2 km2), all of it land.

[10][11][12] In 2009, poultry processor Pilgrim's Pride closed multiple facilities in the area, which impacted the economy of Bastrop.