The South End District is a historic neighborhood in Bastrop, Texas, officially established by the Bastrop City Council through Resolution R-2025-158 to honor African American heritage, preserve the community's living history, and promote neighborhood vitality. The vision for creating the district was introduced and presented by Council Member Perry Lowe, whose goal was to create a lasting framework that would celebrate the South End's rich history while investing in its future.

For generations, the South End has been the cultural and spiritual heart of Bastrop's African American community. It has been home to historic churches, neighborhood schools, family-owned businesses, and gathering places that have shaped the city's identity. Today, institutions such as the Kerr Community Center, the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center, and the Freedom Colonies Museum continue to preserve and celebrate the stories, traditions, and contributions of those who built this community.

Building on that legacy, the South End District is developing the South End Cultural Corridor—a long-term initiative that will transform the area into a destination where public art, murals, oral histories, historic preservation, and cultural programming come together. More than a beautification effort, the district is committed to preserving the voices of longtime residents, strengthening neighborhood pride, expanding economic opportunity, and ensuring that future generations understand and celebrate the South End's enduring impact on Bastrop.

Today, the South End District is guided by a simple but powerful vision:

Honor the Past. Celebrate the Present. Build the Future.

Through collaboration with residents, artists, historians, volunteers, community organizations, and the City of Bastrop, the South End District is creating a place where history is preserved, culture is celebrated, and the next generation is inspired to carry this legacy forward.