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:

• visit the Castroville Chamber of Commerce

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