Medina in Bandera County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

River Oaks Courts

Photographed by James Hulse, April 15, 2025

1. River Oaks Courts Marker

Inscription. In a desire to help the town grow, Medina businessman Brown H. Stokes (1897-1940) established Stokes Tourist Courts at his 11-acre riverfront property and family homestead. By 1939, the courts comprised 10 cottages, built by local masons the Lestourgeon brothers, Hough, Wallace, and Russell. The cottages offered full baths and kitchenettes, and served as housing for teachers at the Medina School and as accommodations for early auto travelers. In the 1940s, new owners changed the name to River Oaks Courts and built a four-plex structure. River Oaks Courts continued to operate as a hotel and long-term rental property for decades, contributing to the tourist industry and heritage of Medina. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2020

Erected 2025 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 22835.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.

Location. 29° 48.119′ N, 99° 15.218′ W. Marker is in Medina, Texas, in Bandera County. It is on State Highway 16 north of Post Oak Road, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located

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along the highway next to the fence. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14349 TX 16, Medina TX 78055, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Hill Country

and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: In Honor and Remembrance (approx. 0.3 miles away); Medina Veterans (approx. 0.4 miles away); Joe H. Newcomer (approx. 0.4 miles away); Clark Family Cemetery (approx. 9½ miles away); Bandera Pass (approx. 9.7 miles away); a different marker also named Bandera Pass (approx. 9.7 miles away); Site of Camp Verde (approx. 10.1 miles away); One Mile to Ruins of Camp Verde (approx. 10.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Medina.

River Oaks Courts and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 15, 2025

2. River Oaks Courts and Marker

The view of the front entrance to the River Oaks Courts from the highway image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 15, 2025

3. The view of the front entrance to the River Oaks Courts from the highway

One of the cabins at the River Oaks Courts with a classic car in the carport image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 15, 2025

4. One of the cabins at the River Oaks Courts with a classic car in the carport

Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 178 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 16, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.