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Castroville, Texas Travel Guide
Castroville is only 20 miles west of San Antonio
on US 90, but it's another world in terms of mood and atmosphere.
This small town serves up a mixture of many cultures: French, German,
English, Alsatian, and Spanish. It's best known for its Alsatian
roots and sometimes is called "The Little Alsace of Texas."
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.
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 Park. 402 East
Florence St. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 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 this park 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.
Where to Stay:
Landmark
Inn. 402 Florence St. Guests at this historic inn can stay
in one of ten beautifully appointed rooms. Most rooms come with
private baths; none have telephones. The Landmark Inn offers 10
heated and air-conditioned rooms, four with private baths. Six of
the rooms are in the main, two-story inn, while two are in the old
rock bathhouse ( as well as in a separate cottage that once served
as the only bathhouse between San Antonio and Eagle Pass) and two
others are located in the Vance House. Make your reservations early,
especially for weekends.
In-depth Travel Articles:
Castroville:
Where the Old Meets the New
For More Information:
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