Imagine a place where the 19th century joins modern times, treating visitors to modern conveniences and comforts in an Old World atmosphere. Add to this a gazpacho of cultures, a blend of French, German, English and Spanish with a heavy dose of Alsatian heritage.
What you have is Castroville, located only 20 miles west of San Antonio. This town, nicknamed “The Little Alsace of Texas,” may be nearby the Alamo City but in terms of mood and atmosphere it is in another world. The community was founded by Frenchman Henri Castro, who contracted with the Republic of Texas to bring settlers from Europe. These pioneers came from the French province of Alsace in 1844, bringing with them the Alsatian language, a Germanic dialect. Today only the oldest residents of Castroville carry on the mother tongue.
Traditional Alsatian houses sport European-style, nonsymmetrical, steeply sloping roofs. To have a look at this distinctive architecture, take a self-guided tour of Old Castroville. Pick up a free map from the Castroville Chamber of Commerce (802 London Street). This town boasts 97 historic homes and buildings, including Henri Castro’s homestead, a 1910 meat market, an 1854 gristmill, and homes dating back to the earliest pioneers. The entire section known as Old Castroville is now a National Historic District.
With Castroville’s rich history, it’s not surprising that the community is a magnet for antiques dealers. Antiques shops dot the downtown area. Park and walk the historic streets with names like Paris, London, Madrid, and Petersburg where you’ll find shops offering furniture, glassware, china, pottery, and collectibles of all kinds.
Castroville hosts many special events through the year. Every September, antiques dealers from around the country come to town for an antique show. Shoppers should also mark on their calendars the second Saturday from March through December, when Castroville hosts the Market Trail Days, a shopping extravaganza with everything from arts and crafts to antiques to food.
Whether you come to shop, tour, or dine, the local residents have one bit of Alsatian advice: “Kum Sah Castroville” or “Come See Castroville!”
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History of Castroville
The community was founded by Frenchman Henri Castro, who contracted with the Republic of Texas to bring settlers from Europe. These pioneers came from the French province of Alsace in 1844, bringing with them the Alsatian language, a Germanic dialect. Today only the older residents of Castroville carry on this mother tongue.
Although the language has dropped out of everyday use, many other Alsatian customs and traditions have survived. The city still sports European-style homes with nonsymmetrical, sloping roofs. The Alsatian Dancers of Texas perform folk dancing at many festivals, including the town’s annual St. Louis Day celebration.
Castroville is usually busy on weekends, as San Antonio residents come to shop the town’s numerous antique stores, dine in the Alsatian restaurants, and tour the historical sites.
Attractions
Landmark Inn State Historical Site.
The Texas Historical Commission operates the historic Landmark Inn and museum. The inn was first a home and general store before becoming the Vance Hotel. Robert E. Lee and Bigfoot Wallace, a famous Texas Ranger, were said to have stayed here on the banks of the Medina River. During World War II the hotel was renamed the Landmark Inn. Today the site offers overnight accommodations at the inn as well as activities for the day visitor. Aside from accommodations, the inn contains displays illustrating Henri Castro’s early efforts to recruit settlers as well as exhibits covering early Castroville life. Also recommended is a self-guided tour of the beautifully manicured inn grounds. On the river, visitors can swim, fish, or canoe.
But perhaps the best way to absorb the atmosphere of Castroville is with a stay in one of its bed-and-breakfast inns. The most famous is the Landmark Inn, operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. This inn was first a home and general store before becoming the Vance Hotel. Robert E. Lee and Bigfoot Wallace, the famous Texas Ranger, were said to have stayed at the hotel that was renamed the Landmark Inn during World War II.
Today’s guests select from ten historic rooms decorated with antique furnishings. The absence of telephones and televisions helps transport visitors back to the previous century, when visitors to the hotel enjoyed a welcome rest from the stagecoaches traveling the Old San Antonio El Paso Road. All rooms including air-conditioning and heating; four rooms including a private bath. Guests enjoy a continental breakfast served in the 1849 kitchen.
The Landmark inn is just one of many bed-and-breakfasts in Castroville. You’ll also find historic accommodations at the charming Henri Castro Guesthouse Bed and Breakfast, located on the grounds of the Henri Castro Homestead. Visitors can also call Castroville’s First Bed and Breakfast Registry (800-329-9622) for information on accommodations.
Festivals
AUGUST:
St. Louis Day Celebration. Dubbed “The Homecoming For the State of Texas” by the Texas Tourist Agency, the town’s population gathers under pecan trees beside the Medina River to enjoy live entertainment, food, drink and family fun. Koenig Park on San Jacinto St.
DECEMBER:
Old Fashion Christmas. The Castroville Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors this two-day holiday celebration in Castroville’s Houston Square. Live entertainment, arts and craft shopping, Alsatian and Mexican food booths and photos with Santa are on the schedule. 1303 Lorenzo St.
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Photo Credit: © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department