Located on County Road No. 545, the Biry Bridge spans the Hondo Creek. Constructed out of steel and wood, the bridge is composed of two spans of 180 feet and 100 feet. The bridge was completed on January 15, 1921, by the Alamo Construction Company . . . — — Map (db m202892) HM
In 1842, Empresario Henry Castro brought his first colonists to Texas to settle land west of the Medina River. Most of the immigrants were from the Rhine River area of Europe. Many claimed the province of Alsace, on the border of France and Germany, . . . — — Map (db m79054) HM
A native of Hettingen, Prussia, and a Mason by trade, Arcadius Steinle emigrated to the U.S. in 1844 and moved to Castroville the next year. In 1847, he wed Marie Ann Dreyer and began construction of this home, where they reared six children. . . . — — Map (db m193028) HM
Castroville was founded by Empresario Henri Castro in 1844. By the mid-1840s, immigrants, many from the Alsatian region in Europe, began to settle here. The unique Alsatian culture was recreated in the countryside of Medina County and largely . . . — — Map (db m193017) HM
Jean Baptiste Cordier (1804-1881) built this Alsatian pioneer dwelling after migrating to Texas in 1844. The native limestone structure had three downstairs rooms and an attic. Cordier sold the cottage in 1847 to blacksmith Stephan Ahr (1821-1903) . . . — — Map (db m193021) HM
Castroville was settled in September 1844 by predominately Catholic immigrants, brought to Texas by Empresario Henry Castro from the Alsace region of France along the Rhine River bordering Germany. It is long established European custom for a . . . — — Map (db m193099) HM
This compound reflects a continuum of Castroville's history from before the Civil War. German immigrants Louis and Rosina (Niggli) Dolch built the stone house c. 1860. They stayed only a few years, but retained ownership into the 1880s, when . . . — — Map (db m193025) HM
The two original rooms in this house were erected 1847 by Father Claude M. Dubuis from Lyons, France, aided by Father Chazelle (who soon died of typhus). Father Dubuis, the first priest in Castro's colony was captured twice by Comanches 1847, but . . . — — Map (db m193034) HM
Built about 1870 by German artisan who constructed many houses in area. Cypress logs were floated down the Medina River, adzed lengthwise for attic timbers. Has 22-inch walls of limestone quarried nearby, hand-carved stone fireplace, outside . . . — — Map (db m193051) HM
Erected 1854; first permanent courthouse in Castroville, the first seat (1848-1892) of Medina County. When built, structure was on old road to San Antonio.
This building took place of temporary office space which County Court had used 6 . . . — — Map (db m130157) HM
In 1846, General John Ellis Wool amassed an army of 3,400 troops in San Antonio to invade Chihuahua, Mexico. Departing from Camp Crockett crossing the Medina River and passing through Castroville and Quihi, Wool’s plans changed after receiving . . . — — Map (db m130158) HM
Henri Castro, a native of Bayonne, France, and the descendant of Portuguese nobility, served briefly in Napoleon's French Army. In 1813 he married Marie Amelia Mathias. He later immigrated to the United States and in 1827 became a naturalized U.S. . . . — — Map (db m130159) HM
Early Castroville colonist and Dutch immigrant Marie Becker Ihnken was buried just north of this site in 1847 by her son, Gerhard. The German born Gerhard married Marie Jeanne Pichot on October 22, 1846. The Pichot family arrived on the first of . . . — — Map (db m193054) HM
Both the Lipan Apaches and the Payaya are known to have hunted in these hills and fished in the Medina River long before Castroville was settled in 1844. Most were hunters and gatherers, and relatively peaceful. Some were known to trade with the . . . — — Map (db m193083) HM
In 1950, Mr. & Mrs. Hoog purchased these 126.2 acres from the Ihnken Family. In 1968, they sold it to the City of Castroville at a fraction of its worth, with the stipulation that it be turned into a park for everyone to enjoy.
Thanks to a . . . — — Map (db m193064) HM
These limestone structures along the Eagle Pass - San Antonio road at the Medina River ford were once centers of trade, travel, industry, and domestic
life. Alsatian colonist Michel Simon settled here in 1844, followed by Caesar Monod, who built . . . — — Map (db m201908) HM
1766: The Governor of Spain gave a large parcel of land to the Indians of Mission San Jose. It was later conveyed to John McMullen, becoming known as the "McMullen Grant".
1800: The land, including what is now the Castroville Regional . . . — — Map (db m193063) HM
Born in Neufreystadt, Baden, Louis Huth Jr. first met Henri Castro in Paris in 1842 and became an important figure in the establishment of Castro's Colony in Texas. Huth's father, Ludwig, provided much of the funding for immigrant supplies and . . . — — Map (db m193024) HM
Medina Lake was constructed in 1912 as an irrigation reservoir. Its 26-mile gravity-flow canal system delivers water to 34,000 acres of farmland via earthen canals. Wooden trestles and flumes, like the one in the photo below, used to carry water . . . — — Map (db m193086) HM
Named for the Rev. John Martin Moye, founder (1762) of the Sisters of Divine Providence, religious order that opened school in Castroville in 1868, and built first part of this structure in 1873: first mother house of the order in the United . . . — — Map (db m116588) HM
German native Henry Renken created this cemetery in 1876 upon the death of his wife, Lissette (Kueck) Renken. She was buried on property owned by Gerhard Ihnken that Renken had sold to him in 1874. Renken was an active contributor to the Castroville . . . — — Map (db m193060) HM
Henri Castro (1786-1861), a naturalized American of French origin, befriended the Republic of Texas and became interested in settling here. In 1842 he was given authority to establish a colony of Europeans in Southwest Texas. He succeeded in . . . — — Map (db m130155) HM
Planned, according to tradition, by the Rev. Peter Richard, pastor who came from Loire, France, 1868. First (1847-51) resident pastor, the Most Rev. Claude Dubuis, returned as Bishop of Texas to lay cornerstone on July 2, 1868.
Locally . . . — — Map (db m130396) HM
This cemetery has, served the Parish of St. Louis Catholic Church since the founding of Castroville in 1844. The original burial ground is outlined by the stone wall, which was built in 1860. The earliest marked grave is that of Katharina Haldy . . . — — Map (db m193100) HM
Built by Alsatian settlers of Castro Colony, in Republic of Texas dedicated by the Rt. Rev. John Odin, C.M., first Catholic Bishop of Texas, on Nov. 9, 1846. Claude Dubuis, 1847 pastor, was later a Bishop of Texas. Here in 1868 Sisters of Divine . . . — — Map (db m180014) HM
Since as early as 1847 residents of Castroville have conducted a community holiday on or about the 25th of August--the Catholic observance of the Feast of St. Louis. Local tradition recalls that early processions escorted clergy from the priests' . . . — — Map (db m79053) HM
Constructed in 1849 with local limestone, mortar, and cypress lumber, this building includes elements of Alsatian domestic architecture found in Castroville. The 18-inch-thick walls were originally coated with a whitewashed lime plaster, while . . . — — Map (db m201907) HM
Many of the German settlers who arrived here in the 1840s were Lutherans who kept their religious traditions by meeting for worship in their homes. The Rev. Christian Oefinger sailed from Bremen, Germany, arriving in Galveston. From there he made . . . — — Map (db m130156) HM
In Memory of World War I William H. Killough
Herman Rogers
James Vance
World War II
Jesus F. Acosta
Frank W. Balmos
Horrel E. Baker
Monroe W. Harriell
Walter Les Henry
Edward V. Jaramillo
Margarito Monreal . . . — — Map (db m193104) WM
Black Creek Missionary Baptist Church was organized the first Sunday of March 1877 by Rev. L.S. Cox around a log fire at brother Hukill's ranch, east of Black Creek. The church has continuously served the Devine area for 130 years and was . . . — — Map (db m193721) HM
Within one mile of this site was the famed camping place Charco de la Pita. It was located along the Old Pita Road, the first road in Texas. The Pita Road extended from
the San Juan Bautista mission, some 25 miles down the Rio Grande from present . . . — — Map (db m130397) HM
Although a fire destroyed the earliest written records of this burial ground, it is known that the first graves are those of Elisha Whitley and Henry McCray who were killed by hostile Indians in 1872. Another early grave is that of Isaac Galbreath . . . — — Map (db m162659) HM
Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Texas on Dec. 12, 1884, this Masonic body first met on the second floor of Josh Herring's store at Commercial Dr. and Herring Ave. John Redus, who was instrumental in the formation of the lodge, served as the first . . . — — Map (db m162658) HM
This congregation, founded in 1882 by the Rev. D. Johnson, the Rev. C.B. Hukill, and 35 charter members, was the first church organized in Devine. The congregation met under a prominent oak tree in town and in a local school building before . . . — — Map (db m162657) HM
Born in Nova Scotia. Came to Texas in 1843. Became District Judge, 1851. On the powerful Public Safety Committee of the Texas Secession Convention, 1861. Named with Samuel A. Maverick and Philip N. Luckett to take possession of the federal . . . — — Map (db m162655) HM
From 1844 until 1877, warfare raged between settler and Indian in what we now know as Medina County in that 33 year span, many settlers and Indians lost their lives. At the foot of this marker is the original headstone of the last settler killed by . . . — — Map (db m193107) HM
Moore Family Cemetery One half mile northeast is the Moore family cemetery. Daniel Boone Moore, father of famed Indian fighter, Lon Moore, and cousin to Daniel Boone, is buried there. Moore settled on Hondo Creek in 1852.
Rock . . . — — Map (db m162714) HM
By 1531 Spain ruled present Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, half of South America, and much of the United States. The desire to claim new lands north of the Rio Grande led to continuous Spanish expeditions through present Texas during the . . . — — Map (db m130162) HM
Joe Stroud (1877-1966) came here from Bigfoot in 1903, and established a blacksmith shop on this site, continuing in the craft learned from his father. Stroud soon became known throughout the southwest for his branding irons, and had a reputation . . . — — Map (db m162648) HM
Within a few feet of this marker was the Upper Presido Road. Leading from "The Presidio" (San Juan Bautista Mission 25 miles down the Rio Grande from today's Eagle Pass) to San Antonio and points east, this was the primary route from today's Mexico . . . — — Map (db m193729) HM
In 1847, Henri Castro established D'Hanis, his fourth colony, 1.5 miles east of this site. Named for a Castro Company official. Alsatian immigrants endured great hardship to build a community that thrived for over 30 years. In 1881, when the . . . — — Map (db m117851) HM
The D'Hanis Brick and Tile Company was organized 1905, by Louis Carle, Sr., F.J. (Joe) Carle, Charles Wallrath, and Richard Wallrath of D'Hanis, Texas; and Gus Birkner, owner of the L&L Brickyard between Luling and Lockhart, Texas.
The brick . . . — — Map (db m193799) HM
When the war with Mexico ended in 1848, the U.S. established a series of forts along the Rio Grande to secure the border. Simultaneously, a "first line of frontier forts" were built from Fort Worth southward through this area to defend settlers . . . — — Map (db m155970) HM
J.M. and Mary Ann Koch owned and operated a hotel in D'Hanis beginning in 1898. They purchased the land on this site in July 1902, and built this hotel in 1906. Reportedly constructed by Chinese railroad laborers, it is built of early bricks from . . . — — Map (db m64488) HM
Captain Heinrich Joseph Richarz established this cemetery in 1905. A native of Prussia, he and his family arrived in Texas in 1850. After a brief stay in Bexar County, the family moved to Fort Lincoln, residing for a time in quarters once occupied . . . — — Map (db m221512) HM
Congregation formed in 1847 with founding of D'Hanis Colony by settlers from Alsace, France.
In 1853, when town became a mission parish, limestone church was built, using timber hauled by ox-wagon from Medina River.
Sandstone extension . . . — — Map (db m155966) HM
Established in 1847 by 29 families under the leadership of Theodore Gentilz, representing Henri Castro (1781...1861), distinguished pioneer and colonizer of Texas who introduced the early settlers of Medina County. Named in honor of . . . — — Map (db m155969) HM
In 1842 the Mexican Army launched three invasions into Texas to reclaim territory lost during the Texas Revolution. Col. Rafael Vasquez's Army briefly occupied San Antonio in March, and in July Texans fought with Col. Antonio Canales' forces near . . . — — Map (db m81867) HM
Store-residence built in D'Hanis about 1878 by John Fohn (1839-91), a native of Prussia. In addition to a general mercantile store, the structure was also the site of D'Hanis elections and a Justice of the Peace Court. In 1897, Rolf Frerichs . . . — — Map (db m162641) HM
Spanish explorers passed this way several times in the centuries preceding Anglo settlement of the area. The original village that would become Hondo was situated on "El Arroyo Hondo," named by the Spanish.
Permanent settlers to the area began . . . — — Map (db m5779) HM
At the beginning of World War II, on March 31, 1942, the United States War Department authorized the construction of an Air Force Training School at Hondo to cost in excess of five million dollars. H.B. Zachry construction company was given 100 days . . . — — Map (db m222969) HM
As the U.S. prepared to enter World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt requested annual production of 50,000 aircraft and training for thousands of pilots and navigators. For many months, the Army Air Corps struggled to train sufficient numbers of . . . — — Map (db m193785) HM
Early Methodist settlers in this area worshipped under a live oak tree on the banks of the Hondo Creek. The Methodists organized as a church in 1857 and held services in a log hut. A church/Masonic lodge was built on ten acres of land given to the . . . — — Map (db m130152) HM
Built in 1907 for Ernest Roland Leinweber (1869-1922), a prominent Hondo businessman, this three-story commercial building was constructed by prolific South Texas contractor Gus Birkner, who also participated in the construction of the Texas State . . . — — Map (db m162638) HM
Lon Moore was born in Caldwell County, Texas in 1844. His father, Daniel Boone Moore, was also an Indian Fighter and cousin to famed frontiersman, Daniel Boone. Lon Moore's mother was related to the family of Jim Bowie.
Moore's family settled . . . — — Map (db m193734) HM
In 1859, a decade after Medina County was created, Freemasons and others in the New Fountain Settlement built a 2-story stone church-lodge hall at this site. Hondo Valley Lodge No. 252, A.F. & A.M., was chartered in 1860. The Masonic Cemetery . . . — — Map (db m155385) HM
Medina County was organized in 1848 with Castroville as the county seat. In 1892, as the result of an election, the seat of county administration was relocated to Hondo City (now Hondo). The Commissioners Court immediately ordered a courthouse to be . . . — — Map (db m5777) HM
Dedicated to the Honor and Sacrifice of the Men and Women of Medina County Who Served Our Country in World Wars I and II
2nd side of marker
Korea and Vietnam — — Map (db m193766) WM
Following Texas Emancipation in 1865, many freed slaves remained in this area on their former masters' farms. By 1869 Blacks had organized a church and a school on the north bank of Hondo Creek (about 2 Mi. N). Beginning in 1876, landowner L.L. . . . — — Map (db m162635) HM
Designed and built in 1893 for $15,000 by the firm of Martin, Byrnes & Johnston, which was then constructing the County Courthouse. This building, designed in the crenellated, round-arch castle style with rock-faced Texas limestone, was an image . . . — — Map (db m162650) HM
The history of the Peachtree school and community begins when the first settlers found ripe peaches on trees near the waterhole. The site was used for barbecues and picnics under the big trees where mustang grape vines made deep shade. The young . . . — — Map (db m193007) HM
Constructed of Seco brick in 1912, this is the second church structure to serve the Catholic community in Hondo. Designed by San Antonio architect Fred Bowen Gaenslen, it was built by Alfred R. Wottlin during the pastorate of the Rev. J.J. Meyers. . . . — — Map (db m162643) HM
The first rail line reached this area in 1881 and town lots were sold that year for Hondo City. The line was built by the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway. It connected with the Southern Pacific System building east from . . . — — Map (db m155609) HM
This tree planted on April 15, 2004 was grown from an acorn harvested from the live oak tree located on the site of Stephen F. Austin's death near present-day West Columbia, Texas. Under that large tree, a Texas Historical Monument marks the place . . . — — Map (db m5778) HM
Hondo City Baptist Church of Christ was organized in July 1882, by Elder W.D. Johnson of the Baptist State Missionary Convention (Baptist General Convention of Texas), with eleven charter members. Plans were made "To build a house" by the end of the . . . — — Map (db m193773) HM
Located on the banks of Verde Creek (Arroyo Verde), Vandenburg, founded in 1846, was one of the colonies established by Empresario Henri Castro. Immigrants settled nearby and began farming. They dug a trench eight feet wide by six feet deep to . . . — — Map (db m79257) HM
Built in 1912 by Alsatian immigrant and prominent local developer Emil Schmidt, the city hotel offered public lodging previously unavailable to visitors to LaCoste. Its proximity to the railroad depot made it an ideal location to offer food and . . . — — Map (db m179999) HM
The LaCoste City Hall was built in 1912 as the LaCoste National Bank building. In 1974 the bank moved from this original location to the new bank building across the street. The original structure was sold to the City of LaCoste and has continued to . . . — — Map (db m179928) HM
In 1881, the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio railroad began moving west from San Antonio. In order to service the county seat, Castroville at that time, a depot was located just inside the Medina County line. This depot became the site of . . . — — Map (db m179997) HM
This church was established in 1911 after a petition to build a Catholic Church in LaCoste was made the previous year. Prior to this church, area Catholics had to travel to Castroville to attend mass. Emil Zinsmeyer donated the land for the church, . . . — — Map (db m179994) HM
The history of Natalia is inseparably linked with the history of the Medina Valley Irrigation Company Project now known as the Bexar, Medina, Atascosa Water Control and Improvement District No 1. Natalia, named after the daughter of Dr. Fred S. . . . — — Map (db m193102) HM
The Rev. Christian Oefinger, serving as pastor of the Castroville Lutheran Church, led in founding this congregation in March 1852. The first church building was dedicated in 1854, coincidental with a synod convention held in Castroville. . . . — — Map (db m155705) HM
Sometime in the latter part of 1912, the original stone sanctuary of the congregation was struck by lightening during a storm and damaged. At a congregational meeting in January of 1913, members voted to postpone any repairs to the building. On . . . — — Map (db m155851) HM
Ebenezer Methodist Church of New Fountain
Immigrants from Germany and Alsace Lorraine settled New Fountain and vicinity, during the late 1840's. New Fountain was located somewhat centrally on the Verde Creek about 2 miles west of Quihi in an . . . — — Map (db m164359) HM
In 1842, there were two major invasions of Texas by Mexican troops. Active Brigade General Adrian Woll was ordered to lead the second of the two expeditions into Texas in order to capture San Antonio. Woll ordered Brevet Col. Jose Maria Carrasco . . . — — Map (db m155707) HM
This region, known as Soldaten Kemp (soldiers' camp) for its history as a rendezvous point for frontier military patrols, freighters and others on the San Antonio Road, was home to many German immigrants by the mid-19th century. The Rev. . . . — — Map (db m155699) HM
Early settlers to the Quihi area came from Germany, primarily Wuertemberg, Hanover, Alsace, Baden, and East Frisia. They were predominately Christian, and their Christian faith was a tremendous help in getting through the many difficulties and . . . — — Map (db m164354) HM
Surveyed in October, 1844
by
Henri Castro
1781---1861
Distinguished pioneer and colonizer
of Texas
Established in March, 1845 by ten
families in charge of Louis Huth,
agent for Castro
Many settlers were killed by . . . — — Map (db m64185) HM
Located on the high bluff on the west side of the Medina River, seven miles north of Castroville, the Haby Settlement was established in the 1840s. Francois Joseph II and Marie Anne Haby, Jean Jacque and Marthe Haby, and Catherine (Haby) and Michel . . . — — Map (db m193010) HM
The first mercantile business in the community of San Geronimo, present day Rio Medina, was established in 1908. Alexander Boehme leased one acre for $1.00 per year for the purpose of building a store, originally named San Geronimo store, and . . . — — Map (db m193013) HM
Completed in 1925, this church building resulted from the combination of two neighboring Methodist congregations. Circuit-riding Methodist preacher A.J. Potter began holding services in a log schoolhouse south of Yancey in 1875. That congregation . . . — — Map (db m162644) HM
Yancey is one of the small, historic and unincorporated communities in Medina County. Named for sons of the original townsite's owners, Yancey Kilgore and Yancey Strait, the community was known as "Tehuacana" or "Moss" in earlier times.
In . . . — — Map (db m162661) HM