Castroville’s origin was a direct result of the issue facing the newly formed Texas Republic. In Texas’ early stages of independence, the Republic found itself facing the same situation that the previous Mexican government had dealt with. The Texas government apparently was desirous for this new independent republic to populate in greater numbers. They initially offered incentives for settlers to pioneer Texas’ uninhabited lands by offering free public land, providing land grants, awarding land to veterans, etc; however, these methods ultimately proved to be too unorganized and an insufficient means to effectively populate Texas (although it did its job of attracting a few settlers to Texas). In an attempt to better organize this attempt, Texas modeled the pre-existing Mexican empresario system--the system which initially attracted the first American inhabitants of Texas before it received its independence. This system (where the pre-existent Mexican government in Texas had encouraged anyone to invest in property which they were responsible for in return for promise of financial opportunity) proved to attract many people and, consequently, the responsibility was passed onto the private entrepreneur rather that the government itself. Because the empresario-system relieved the government of the issue, the Republic greatly encouraged entrepreneurs to invest in a piece of Texas. This provided the government with the hands-free policy which would free-up Texas from the actual work of populating itself while also providing the public (Americans and many Europeans) with this unique financial opportunity. Among the many people who saw this as a great financial opportunity was Henry Castro. Henry Castro, who was originally from France, decided to invest himself as an empresario and prepared to colonize the area near the Medina River. To aid his colonization, Castro went on to campaign in Europe in search of possible settlers. There, in his native France, Castro found several Alsatian farmers who he convinced to make the journey along with him. On September 2, 1844, Castro set out from San Antonio with theses farmers to colonize what eventually became the town now known as Castroville. (Crook)

Castroville is full of history and heritage. The small town has a unique heritage, being that it is the only Alsatian colony in the United States. Along-side Castroville’s distinct historical significance, the town is also home to many historical landmarks. One of the most notable of these was the very first church in Castroville (the first church in all of Medina County in fact)--the one hundred and thirty-seven year old St. Louis Catholic Church which was built by the early colonists. The church began as a small wooden building insisted upon by Henry Castro himself in Castroville’s early development. (Crook, 125) The Right Reverend Claude-Dubuis, a young priest sent from France to carry on the work of Catholicism in Castroville, persuaded some of the colonist’s men to build a larger and more solid building upon his arrival to Texas. (Crook, 125) On November 9, 1846, the Bishop Odin dedicated the small and frail building which was built from the available, local stones of Castroville. (Crook, 125) From its humble beginnings, the small church building, by the endeavors of Abbey Dubuis and Father Emmanuel Domenech, developed into the magnificent present-day church which was finished and completed on the Easter of 1850 (although the original building still stands beside the actual church). (Crook, 127) The Church, dedicated to the patron saint St. Louis IX of France, has stood as the pride of many Catholic Communities and was one of the first of ten parishes created in Texas. (History of Saint Louis Church) In 1970, the St. Louis Catholic Church officially became a historic Texas Landmark. (History of Saint Louis Church) Today, the church is often noted for its extremely tall spire, one that can be seen all around Castroville--a symbol and pride of the community.

Another famous landmark in Castroville is, of course, the Landmark Inn! The Landmark Inn has a unique and diverse history. Originally, Cesar Monod, a Swiss merchant from Lavaca came to purchase land in Castroville seeing it as an opportunity for business. In about 1849, Monod built a small store/family residence in what was to become the first floor of the present-day Landmark Inn. (“History,” 1) Because several people at the time were headed towards the gold mines in California, Monod’s store became a frequent stop for travelers. (“History,” 1) His store being located nearly in front of the san Antonio-El Paso Road, the location proved to be the ideal business location. In 1853 the store passed from Cesar Monod to Irish immigrant John Vance who purchased it from him. (“History,” 1) John Vance opened up a general store with this newly purchased property and eventually began to add to the prosperity that the area had brought to the previous owner. John built the Vance House in 1859 which would later serve the uses of the future Landmark Inn. Because of the store’s location on the heavily traveled road from San Antonio to Mexico and El Paso, John Vance built a second floor to accommodate travelers passing through while also providing them with supplies. During the Civil war, with the prosperity of the South’s cotton, many traders began to trade on the Mexican ports in order to bypass the Union blockade. Many of those same traders passed by Vance’s general store, which had become to be known as the Vance Hotel when the second floor was built in 1870’s. (“History,” 1) In 1853, Vance sold his property along the riverside to businessmen Haas and Quintle. (“History,” 1) They converted it into a custom grist mill and cotton gin, which in later years to come became very prosperous due to the growing agriculture economy of that area. (“History,” 1) In the 1860’s a man by the name of Joseph Courand purchased the property from Haas and Quintle, and then modernized the productions there (such as replacing the old water wheel with a turbine). (“History,” 1) A lumber mill was also added. However, in the 1900’s the cotton gin burned down, and in the 1920’s the property was purchased by J.T. Lawler. He converted the mill to generate electricity, bringing the very first lights to Castroville. (“History,” 1) The mill’s production closed down in 1935, but was brought back to life as the present-day Landmark Inn by J.T. Lawler’s sister, Ruth Lawler in 1940. (“History,” 1) Essentially, Ruth restored the main building to an Inn to accommodate the local military couples. Because of the Inn’s long and diverse history, the Landmark Inn stands today as a well-known landmark and still continues to operate till this day. Visitors can still visit this one-of-a-kind Bed & Breakfast and experience the old-fashioned hospitality and unique history of the Landmark Inn.

A lot of information for which the public could learn about Castroville can be found in Castroville’s public library which, in fact, is a landmark itself. Castroville public library was the very first public library to be introduced to Medina County (let alone the town itself!). The Castroville public library, interestingly enough, has access to great historical information concerning the town’s history (such as the ship list of the names of the people who came with Henry Castro to Texas). (Keller) The library began operation in 1963 and has been operating ever since. (Castroville Chamber of Commerce)

Along with Castroville’s diverse history and multiple landmarks are some of the most cherished festivals and events that still occur in Castroville today. One of these days of celebration (perhaps the most recognized) is Castroville’s St. Louis Day celebration. The celebration originated in 1882 as a small church homecoming, but eventually through the course of several years developed into the town holiday that it is today. (“History of Saint Louis Day”) It initially began as a feast celebration for the parish’s patron saint, Saint Louis IX of France. (“History of Saint Louis Day”) Since then, the local holiday has grown into the massive celebration it is today, celebrated by visitors from all over Texas and around the world; in fact, the celebration has been dubbed the “Homecoming for the State of Texas!” (“History of Saint Louis Day”) The celebration is a fun event held every year on the Sunday closest to the 25th of August. The “homecoming” essentially is celebrated much like a typical picnic but with an abundance of food and entertainment to go along with it. With all of its festivities and spirit in mind, Castroville’s St. Louis Day celebration is perhaps one of the most fantastic and most recognized festivals in Texas.