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One
of the metal art signs lining Bandera main street
Photo courtesy Chia-Wei Wang, August 2006 |
Bandera
became "Cowboy Capital of the World" in part because of its numerous Dude Ranches.
The area became popular with San Antonians wanting to escape the city's summer
heat - and in the 20s and 30s - with increased car ownership (Bandera never had
a railroad) "Dude Ranches" started appearing. Several of the oldest are still
in business today.
History
on a Cypress Shingle
The numerous Cypress
trees along the region's creeks provided wood for shingle manufacturing and a
mill was set up in 1852. This was the first business in Bandera - although the
end product was sold in San Antonio.
Polish immigrants entered the area and set up St.
Stanislaus Catholic Church - the second Polish Catholic Church after St. Mary's
in Panna Maria
(Karnes County). Father Leopold Moczygemba, founder of Panna Maria also established
the Polish community here.
See The
Bandera Tragedy Tree
Several historical
markers are in the immediate vicinity. One honoring the oldest founding resident
(Amasa Clark who died at the age of 101) and another for the last Indian victim
in Bandera County. |
Bandera
Area Attractions Hill
Country State Natural Area
11 miles southwest of Bandera 5,400 acres of primitive camping and equestrian
trails. Over 4,500 acres provide trails for people who bring in their own horses
to ride. The area was a gift from Louise Lindsey Merrick who presented it to the
state in the 1970s. 830-796-4413
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us
Frontier
Times Museum:
13th Street at Pecan Street 210-796-3864
One of the
more interesting museums in the state since it started so early (1920s) when historical
items curios were abundant. Over 30,000 items on display.
St.
Stanislaus Catholic Church:
7th Street and Cypress Street. The Church dates from 1876, although the steeple
wasn't erected until 1906
Other
architecturally interesting buildings are:
The Old First National Bank
Building 309 Main Street
The Oldest Stone Building c.1855 Cypress Street at
11th Street
The Bandera County Jail designed by Alfred Giles c. 1881
The
Huffmeyer Store at Main and Cypress c.1875Bandera
Hotels - Book here |
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| | Bandera
Pass Centennial Marker
TE Photo, 2001 |
Bandera
is situated along the banks of the Medina River. The name, according to
legend, was either named after a Spanish Officer named Bandera or after a large
flag (Bandera) that marked the Bandera Pass - the agreed upon boundary
that kept the Indians separated from the Spanish settlers. The pass was the scene
of several encounters between Rangers, and Indians.
The pass is north
12 miles on Hwy 173 just north of the cutoff for FM 2828. |
Downtown
Bandera
Photo courtesy Chia-Wei Wang, August 2006 |
Bandera County
Towns & Ghost TownsBandera
County Seat - Bandera
Bandera
County Courthouse
Bluff
LakehillsMedinaPipe
CreekTarpleyTuffVanderpool
Bandera
Tourist InformationBandera
County Convention and Visitor's Bureau
1-800-364-3833
Bandera
County Texas Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 171 Bandera, Texas 78003
Phone:
830-796-3045 Toll Free: 800-364-3833
http://www.banderatex.com/
Book
Hotels Here - Bandera
Hotels
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