Beason’s Park, located on the banks of the Colorado River in Columbus, offers a touch of Texas history along with recreational activities.

The park is located near the birthplace of the community of Columbus – the site of Beason’s Crossing, named for Benjamin Beason. A member of Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred” colony, Beason settled at the location in 1822 and operated a ferry across the Colorado River. The small community that grew up around the crossing was named Columbus in 1835.

A year later, the community played a role in the Texas Revolution in an episode known as the “Runaway Scrape,” in which residents abandoned their homes and Texian forces retreated from advancing Mexican troops. In March 1836, General Sam Houston stationed his 1,500 troops near Beason’s Crossing with the rallying cry of, "On the Colorado I make my stand.”

Days later, Houston moved his troops to a site on the Brazos River. Just hours before the arrival of Mexican forces, a detachment of Houston’s men burned Columbus to the ground to deprive the Mexican troops of any resources. Houston would soon defeat the Mexican forces at San Jacinto, gaining Texas its independence from Mexico.

Park is first of Colorado River Trail sites

Colorado County and LCRA refurbished the site as a park in the early 1990s. Mindful of the site’s historical ties, park officials invited the Texas Army, a ceremonial group that reenacts events from the Texas Revolution, to fire a volley of shots at the park’s dedication in October 1991. The park was the first in LCRA’s Colorado River Trail program to offer increased public access to the Highland Lakes and lower Colorado River.

Operated by Colorado County, the 24-acre facility is available for reunions, picnics and other activities. It also is host to numerous athletic events throughout the year and is the rally point for runs, walks and bicycle rides and races.

Facilities include picnic areas and a group picnic shelter. There is no boat ramp, but the sandy beach provides access to the river for launching canoes and other light watercraft.

Location: In Columbus, U.S. Highway 90 East at the Colorado River bridge

Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Admission: No charge for general use. Call for camping and permit fees and information.

Contact: Colorado County , (979) 732-3270.

Enjoy a day soaking up the sun in Colorado County this spring. Beason's Park has a lot to offer every park-goer, from a lesson in history to various athletic activities. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the family and head to Columbus for a day of fun.

Bring your canoe or kayak and relax on the
Colorado River for the afternoon.