[5] In 1822, the Mexican government issued land grants to members of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred, who included Benjamin Beason (originally spelled "Beeson") and Abram Alley.

Beason arrived in 1821, received his land grant in 1822, and settled along the Colorado River with his wife Elizabeth "Betsy" and family.

By late December 1821, colonists Robert H. Kuykendall with his brother Joseph, and Daniel Gilleland arrived in the area of present-day Columbus.

Beason also established a gristmill, gin, and a sawmill; his wife operated a boarding house.

John J. Tumlinson Sr., was elected alcalde, with Robert Kuykendall captain and Moses Morrison lieutenant.

In 1834, after the Tumlinson children inherited the estate, they sold land to William Dewees, who was married to Beason's daughter, Lydia.

During the fight for Texas independence, Sam Houston and his men camped along the banks of the Colorado River near Beason's Crossing.

Following the Battle of the Alamo, Santa Anna's army headed for San Jacinto, and Houston ordered that Beason's Crossing be burned during the Runaway Scrape.

[citation needed] Columbus was established by European Americans in 1837 after Texas achieved independence from Mexico.

[5] It was later named the seat of Colorado County, and had developed as a center of business and trade for surrounding areas.

It was designed in the Classical Revival and Italianate styles of architecture by noted Houston architect Eugene T. Heiner.

In 2013–2014, the courthouse was being renovated and upgraded for current uses; the project included restoration of historic exterior colors.

[4] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

In the late 20th century, the Santa Claus Museum was established in town, based on the collection of Mary Elizabeth Hopkins (d. 1990) and located in her former residence.