Castroville Historic District, Historic district in Castroville, Texas, US.
Castroville Historic District is a 19th-century settlement with over 70 limestone and cypress wood buildings spread across 420 acres (170 hectares) along the Medina River. The area includes residences, churches, and commercial structures dating from 1844 to 1920.
Businessman Henri Castro founded the settlement in 1844, bringing European families from Alsace and Baden regions to this area near San Antonio. The community grew quickly and shaped the region with its European architectural character.
The neighborhood displays the architectural traditions brought by Alsatian settlers, with thick limestone walls and cypress wood construction that still define its character today. These building methods reflect the craftsmanship that families carried from their homeland.
Visitors can pick up walking maps at the Steinbach Haus Visitor Center to explore the historic buildings at their own pace. The center provides orientation and information about the architecture and history of key sites.
The Steinbach Haus, originally built in France between 1618 and 1648, was taken apart, transported across the ocean, and rebuilt in Castroville where it now serves as a visitor center. This building links old Europe with Texas history in an unexpected way.
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