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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. |
The
1854 Medina County (former) Courthouse
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, May 2004 |
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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.
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St. Louis
Catholic Church in Castroville
Photos
courtesy Barclay
Gibson, May 2004 |
| St.
Louis Catholic Church |
| St.
Louis Catholic Church back view |
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Henri
Castro's former residence
TE photo, 2001 |
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Old
Magnolia Gas Station - now a real estate office
TE photo, 2001 |
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A
simple brick building c. 1910
TE photo, 2001 |
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A
building of the former Military Academy
TE photo, 2001 |
Landmark
Inn State Historical Park
The 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/park/landmark/landmark.htm
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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/park/govcan/
Medina Lake - North
of Castroville
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fish/infish/lakes/medina/lake_id.htm
Castroville
Tourist Information
Castroville
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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