BEDIAS, TEXAS

Grimes County, Central Texas South

30° 46' 32" N, 95° 56' 57" W (30.775556, -95.949167)

State Highway 90, FM 1696 and FM 2620
19 Miles NE of Anderson the county seat
29 Miles NE of Navasota
Population: 471 Est. (2018)
443 (2010) 301 (2000)

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History in a Pecan Shell

Established in 1836 by Thomas Phiney Plaster, the place was initially named Plasterville. Plaster's plantation sat a few miles west of the present day community. The name was later changed to remember the Bidai Indians.

In the 1840s, Archelaus B. Dodson lived in the community. His wife Sarah Bradley Dodson is said to have designed the first Lone Star flag.

A post office was granted in the 1840s. It was one of six Grimes County communities to have such a service in 1856.

By the mid 1880s, Bedias had a population of 300. It wasn't until 1903 when the railroad reached town and that event triggered growth. The population in 1915 had grown to 500.

The town suffered no calamities until 1927 when the business district burned. The town soon replaced the damaged buildings and in the mid 1930s the population remained at 500. At that time there were 25 businesses in operation.

A slow decline in population set in and by 1967 there were only five businesses to serve a population of 290. The 1990 census counted 301 people and that same number was used in 2000. Businesses had increased to 38.

Grimes County 1882 map showing "Bidias"
near Madison County line
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

Take a road trip

Bedias, Texas Nearby Towns:
Anderson the county seat
Navasota
See Grimes County | Madison County

Central Texas South

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