Howdy, y’all! Welcome to Bertram, Texas, a small town packed with big stories. Nestled in the heart of Burnet County, Bertram’s got history, heart, and a heap of charm. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this town one-of-a-kind.
Bertram got its start back in 1882 when the Austin and Northwestern Railroad laid tracks through these parts. It didn’t take long for the town to sprout up, named after Rudolph Bertram, a businessman from Austin who funded the railroad extension. Bertram’s roots are steeped in the promise of progress, and this little town’s been keepin’ its pioneer spirit alive ever since.
Now, y’all may not expect a town to have a festival dedicated to oatmeal, but Bertram sure does. The Oatmeal Festival started in nearby Oatmeal, Texas, as a way to put that tiny spot on the map. But when Bertram got involved, it turned into a celebration like no other. We’ve got parades, bake-offs, a 3.3-mile fun run, and even a Miss Oatmeal pageant. It’s a quirky, heartwarming tradition that brings folks together year after year.
Bertram’s produced its fair share of stars, but none shine brighter than Chief Wilson. Born in 1883, Chief made a name for himself in Major League Baseball, setting a still-unbroken record for the most triples in a season—36 of ‘em back in 1912! That kind of grit and determination is pure Texas, and we’re mighty proud to call him one of our own.
Hollywood’s even come knockin’ on Bertram’s door. The town’s historic train depot and timeless charm have been featured in movies like Courage Under Fire and The Newton Boys. Whether it’s Meg Ryan or Matthew McConaughey, Bertram’s been the backdrop for some big stars and even bigger stories.
Bertram’s home to about 1,500 folks—good, hardworkin’ people who know the value of a neighborly wave and a helping hand. The weather here’s as Texan as it gets: summers are hot and winters are mild, so you can enjoy the outdoors most of the year. Whether it’s fishing, hiking, or just sitting on the porch with sweet tea, Bertram’s got ya covered.
The train depot’s been the heart of Bertram since 1912. Lovingly restored, it’s now part of the Austin Steam Train Association. Visitors can hop aboard a historic train and ride through the Hill Country, takin’ in views as timeless as the town itself.
Bertram sits at the gateway to the Texas Hill Country, surrounded by the beauty of the Highland Lakes. Whether you’re casting a line, hiking the trails, or just soakin’ in the scenery, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors around here.
From the Art, Herb, and Wine Festival to the annual Country Christmas, Bertram knows how to throw a celebration. These events bring the community together and showcase the best of small-town Texas life.
Bertram may be small, but it’s brimming with Texas pride, rich history, and plenty of charm. Whether you’re visiting for the festivals, the history, or just a little slice of peace and quiet, this town will make ya feel right at home. Y’all come see us now, ya hear?
Image Sources:
- Canva License, MidJourney Generated and iStockPhoto Account # 13460469
- Austin Steam Train
By Phil Ostroff, CC BY-SA 2.0. - Bertram Depot Wiki (1 of 1)
By Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0. - Veterans Monument, Burnet, TX
By Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0. - Map of Texas Highlighting Burnet County
By David Benbennick, Public Domain. - Burnet County Former Jail
By Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0. - Early Oatmeal School, Oatmeal, Texas
By Nicolas Henderson, CC BY-SA 2.0. - Oatmeal Cemetery, Oatmeal, Texas Historical Marker
By Nicolas Henderson, CC BY-SA 2.0. - Oatmeal Cemetery Gate
By Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0. - 1912 T207 Chief Wilson
Author Unknown, Public Domain. - Downtown Bertram 3 Wiki (1 of 1)
By Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0. - Bertram School Wiki (1 of 1)
By Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0. - Flanigans Bertram Wiki (1 of 1)
By Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0. - Globe Theater Bertram Wiki (1 of 1)
By Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0. - 1912 Chief Wilson
Author Unknown, Public Domain. - Denzel Washington 2018
By John Bauld, CC BY-SA 2.0. - (Owen Wilson, Pittsburgh, NL (baseball)) LOC
By Bain News Service, Public Domain. - Austin NW West Terminus
Author Unknown, Public Domain. - Matthew McConaughey 2019
By Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0. - Nature Trail, Longhorn Cavern, Burnet County
By Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0. - Fishing Pier Inks Lake State Park Texas 2023
By Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0. - Lake Buchanan (Texas)
By Nicolas Henderson, CC BY-SA 2.0. - Lake Marble Falls Texas 2023
By Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0. - Interesting Clouds Over Inks Lake
By Carol M. Highsmith, Public Domain. - Train Station in Bertram, Texas – July 2021
By Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
