About Castroville

Come to St. Louis Day, Visit Historic Castroville

Castroville’s Louis Day Celebration, which began in 1882 as a small church homecoming, attracted some 10,000 visitors to the historic Alsatian settlement each year. Upon arriving in Castroville, visitors will enjoy a worthwhile treat as they drive or stroll about the history-laden community. The quaint little city, with its numerous pioneer structures with their typical Alsatian-style sloped roof, scattered in among the contemporary ranch-style houses, is a sightseer’s paradise. The town, as a whole, is listed with the National Register of Historic Landmarks in Washington, D.C.

Castroville was founded by Henri de Castro in September 1844 when he brought in settlers from Alsace-Lorraine. It is the only Alsatian colony of its kind in the U.S., according to reliable sources in Alsace, and pioneer Alsatian homes and structures can still be found in large numbers throughout the town. The rock-walled bungalows that comfortably suited the early 19th century family are still thought a slight more livable than contemporary abodes. Most of the pioneer homes have been restored and are marked with Pioneer Castroville House (PCH) markers.

The “Little Alsace of Texas” is quite unique in that the culture and dialect of the original Alsatian colonists, even in present times, remains very much visible. Many of the older folks still speak the true Alsatian dialect fluently, which is a mixture of German and French, with a sprinkling of English thrown in.

St. Louis Catholic Church, with its majestic spire reaching 110 feet into the sky, is one of the most notable structures in town. The historic structure, built of native limestone and cypress, acclaimed a Texas Historic Landmark in 1970, recently underwent a much-needed complete renovation and face-lift. A taped narration of the church and parish can be heard in the vestibule of the church.

Landmark Inn, formerly the Vance Hotel, was built circa 1849. The Inn was donated to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department by the late Miss Ruth Lawler in 1974. The Landmark Inn Historic Site offers comfortable and low-cost room accommodations to picnic goers. The old structure and lovely grounds are reminiscent of years past and are characteristic of Castroville’s pioneer homes. Write to Park Manager, Landmark Inn Historical Site, 402 Florence, Castroville, TX 78009, or phone 830-931-2133 for reservations or more information.

The Castroville Regional Park, located in the southwest sector of town, offers excellent camping sites and camper hook-ups for picnic visitors at very reasonable rates. Reservations and more information can be obtained by calling 830-931-4070 or writing 1209 Fiorella, Castroville, Texas 78009.

There are also many quaint Bed and Breakfasts in the Castroville area. For information contact the Chamber of Commerce 830-538-3142.

Moye Foundation Center is the century-old original convent of the Sisters of Divine Providence in the U.S. This landmark boasts a beautiful and peaceful grounds and is the home of the first St. Louis Church, built in 1844, just 8 days after Castroville was settled. Also located on the grounds is the recently restored first parish school that was erected in 1868; and many old structures.

Cross Hill seems to stand as a sentinel watching over the green and beautiful Medina Valley below and the local cemetery. Many historians are lured to this cemetery to look at its numerous grave markers dating back beyond the mid-1800’s. Inscriptions on tombstones are in five languages: English, Spanish, German, French and Latin.

Castroville is also just 15 minutes west of Sea World of Texas and 30 minutes from Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio.