| |
History in a Pecan
shell
Empresario Henri Castro had been granted permission
from the Republic of Texas to recruit European settlers and populate the area
around the Medina River.
Alsace is seldom mentioned without her sister-province
of Lorraine, but here the emphasis is on Alsace and Alsatians alone.
Henri's travels took him away from his Texas "home" frequently and he's
not buried in the town named after him - but his wife Amelia is. His former home
with its neat-as-a-pin appearance is typical of the majority of homes in Castroville.
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The
1854 Medina County (former) Courthouse
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, May 2004 |
|
Castroville was the original County Seat of Medina County and the former courthouse
now serves as city offices.
The greenery on either side of the walk
are fine, healthy specimens of Texas Mountain Laurel and we regret our photo doesn't
show them in bloom.
The spacious and uncrowded Castroville "town
square" is more reminiscent of a Mexican Plaza. Follow signs for a walking
tour of Historic Castroville.
Several excellent restaurants are within
walking distance and the unhurried mood of Castroville is bolstered by the attitude
of the restaurant's management. These are restaurants for conversation and enjoyment.
The Moye Retreat Center now occupies the grounds and buildings of a
former convent that also became a boy's military academy during the 1940s and
50s. |
St.
Louis Catholic Church in CastrovillePhotos
courtesy Barclay
Gibson, May 2004 |
| St.
Louis Catholic Church |
| St.
Louis Catholic Church back view |
| | Henri
Castro's former residence
TE photo, 2001 |
| | Old
Magnolia Gas Station - now a real estate office
TE photo, 2001 |
| | A
simple brick building c. 1910
TE photo, 2001 |
| | A
building of the former Military Academy
TE photo, 2001 |
Landmark
Inn State Historical ParkThe
Landmark Inn Historic Structure: Right "downtown" at Hwy 90 and the traffic light.
A former stagecoach stop, the Landmark Inn still accepts guests today.
The restoration is complete - but the interiors only back to the 1940s.
The attention to detail even went so far as to track down the original linoleum
pattern, which was found in Europe.
Reservations
are recommended: 512-389-8900.
Landmark Inn: 830-931-2133. Their website
: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/
|
Medina
River & Castroville
Regional Park
Castroville has a spacious park (Castroville Regional Park) along the picturesque
banks of the Medina River. Facilities include RV hookups and a pool. Follow the
conveniently posted signs and enjoy the houses along the way.
Government
Canyon State Natural Area
12861
Galm Rd San Antonio TX 78254 210/688-9055
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/
Medina Lake
- North of Castroville
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/
Castroville
Tourist InformationCastroville
Area Chamber of Commerce
P. O. Box 572 · 802 London St. Castroville, Texas
78009
830-538-3142 or 800-778-6775 email: chamber@castroville.com
Website:
http://www.castroville.com/Chamber/chamber.htm
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