Bell County, Texas, is located in Central Texas and is part of the Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county was established in 1850 and is named after Peter Hansborough Bell, a former governor of Texas. The county seat is Belton, which is known for its historic downtown and the beautiful Belton Lake. The area is characterized by a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with a population of over 300,000 residents. Bell County is home to several military installations, including Fort Hood, one of the largest military bases in the world. The county offers various recreational activities, parks, and cultural events throughout the year.