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One
of the metal art signs lining Bandera main street
Photo courtesy Chia-Wei Wang, August 2006 |
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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.
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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.1875
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Former
Bandera County jail
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, January 2003
More Texas Jails |
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The
Historic Marker at Bandera Pass
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. |
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.
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Pollys
Chapel east of Bandera
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, August 2004
More Texas Churches
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Downtown
Bandera
Photo courtesy Chia-Wei Wang, August 2006 |
Main
Street Bandera c. 1960
TE Postcard Archives |
Bandera
County Towns & Ghost Towns
Bandera County
Seat - Bandera
Bandera County Courthouse
Lakehills
Medina
- [A
Trip to Medina]
Pipe
Creek
Tarpley
Tuff
Vanderpool
Bandera
Tourist Information
Bandera
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/
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