General-

Centered in renowned Blackland Prairie agricultural region. Named for John T. Bartlett, who donated townsite to Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad. In 1878, community had three residences. Divided by Bell and Williamson county lines. History has it enterprising saloon proprietors took advantage of county line dissecting their business by having bar on wheels to accommodate laws in both counties.

Bartlett Historic Commerical District-

listed on National Register of Historic Places, is two-block area of early 20th Century buildings housing quality arts and crafts, and fine antiques. Streets paved in red brick link predominant red masonry contruction. Replica street lamps, and corner benches with flower pots add to turn-of-the-century nostalgia

Bartlett Area Museum

Formerly housed in city's first municipal light plant, the museum was moved to the Bartlett Activities Center in the 1990s. In 1936, Bartlett was first in nation to extend municipal light service to 15- to 20-mile radius outside of city under Rural Electrification Administration loan program (predominant force in providing electricity to rural America). The old Museum houses original Fairbanks- Morse diesel electric generatorsand is open daily for self-guided tours, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The BAC Museum is located at 300 West Bell Street, the old grammer school building , and houses exhibits, antiques and artifacts from town's early history. It is open the first Sun. of each month, 1 - 4 p.m. No admission. Five blocks west of Texas 95.