Round Top is a town in Fayette County, Texas, United States. The population was 87 at the 2020 census.

History

As a part of the Stephen F. Austin colony, James Winn acquired in 1831; the present townsite was included in this tract. The community was originally known as "Townsend", after early settler Nathaniel Townsend (whose original house still exists as the Texana Lodge). Later the town was renamed "Round Top", since the postmaster lived in a house with a round tower. Portions of Nassau Plantation were purchased by the Adelsverein, and settlement by German immigrants began 1845 to 1847; these settlers began buying up the local farms and the town lots.

The Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top is the oldest active Lutheran church in Fayette County, and the oldest Lutheran church sanctuary in Texas.

Geography

Round Top is located in northeastern Fayette County. It sits on a hill between Cummins Creek to the southwest and Rocky Creek to the east, tributaries of the Colorado River. The elevation in the center of Round Top is above sea level. Texas State Highway 237 passes through the center of town, leading northeast to Brenham and southwest to La Grange, the Fayette County seat.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town of Round Top has a total area of , all land.

Demographics

As of the census

  • Round Top Festival Institute, music institute for young musicians and faculty
  • Shakespeare at Winedale, Shakespeare-in-Performance study program administered by the University of Texas at Austin English Department

Round Top is the home of the oldest building in Fayette County, Moore's Fort, which was moved there from nearby La Grange.

Education

The town is served by the Round Top-Carmine Independent School District.

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File:Royers -- Round Top, Texas.jpg|Royers Cafe

File:Round Top Historic Library -- Round Top, Texas.jpg|Round Top Historic Library

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References

  • Round Top Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Round Top Register
  • Round Top Family Library
  • "Round Top, TX" article, Texas State Historical Association