Bastrop County

PAIGE, TEXAS

Corrugated Cowboys
TE photo, April 2010

History in a Pecan Shell

The town began with the arrival of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad in 1872. The name chosen was to honor the railroad’s civil engineer, Norman Paige. The depot was first located three miles west of the present location but moved in 1876.

In 1874 Paige was granted a post office. In 1877 a German immigrant by the name of Fedor Soder arrived and built a cotton gin and store. He bought undeveloped land and broke it into small farms for the more recently-arrived German settlers.

The population grew to 350 by the mid 1880s and the town had the essential businesses as well as seven cotton gins (which may be a record for a town of its size). There was a reported population of 500 by 1886.

Besides cotton, the town shipped cordwood, produce, cattle and swine. For local consumption and use, Paige manufactured brooms and had both a creamery and a pickle factory.

The population declined to 400 by 1914 but the remaining citizens could call one another on the recently installed telephone system.

The town survived the Great Depression and by the time the United States entered WWII, the population was headed back toward 500 with an estimated population of 467. During the war, decreased cotton production resulted in a decline in population.

By 1952 Paige had an estimated population of 220. In the early 1980s Paige established both a community center and a volunteer fire department. The 1990 census reported 275 people and the same for the 2000 count.


Paige Depot Museum

A museum in the old depot adjoins the community center on the south side of Hwy 290. The museum is open by appointment – or “Any time you see cars parked in front of the museum.”

Paige Depot Museum.
TE photo, April 2010
More Texas Depots | Texas Museums | Texas Railroads

Paige Community Center
TE photo, April 2010

Roses bloom in Paige
TE photo, April 2010

A Defunct Station
TE photo, April 2010

Indian Paint Brush in bloom
TE photo, April 2010

Restoration Interrupted
TE photo, April 2010

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