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FM337
to Vanderpool
TE Photo, 6-01 |
| Vanderpool
is one of those rare places where you can get away from the world
and still be in Texas. We would call
it the "Crossroads of Western Bandera County" but you might get the
idea there's a lot of traffic through here. There isn't. |
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|
A
view from FM337
near Vanderpool
TE Photo, 6-01 |
History in
a Pecan Shell
The first settlers
of the Sabinal Valley date to the early 1850s. Comanche misbehavior
in the 1860s caused the settlers to rethink their plans, and it wasn't
until 1886 that the town got a post office.
The Sabinal Valley had been home at various times to several
Indian tribes and the fact that Apaches made villages, attests
to the desirability of the location.
The rugged terrain and natural protection afforded the Indians, made
this one of the last parts of Texas to be settled. A grave in nearby
Leakey
cemetery shows the last Indian attack there to be in 1881.
It had been known as Bugscuffle, and indeed - there was a Bugscuffle
school. The first postmaster had the much more dignified name of L.
B. Vanderpool, and decided for the sake of future generations to rename
the town after himself. |
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The
Vanderpool Cemetery
TE photo, 6-01 |
Vanderpool,
Texas Natural Attractions
Birding - Green
Kingfisher is seen year-round, and the entire area is a great birding
destination.
Scenic
Drive - FM337
Vanderpool provides a nice place to stop if you've driven FM 337
in from Medina. FM 337 is really the only way to enter Vanderpool
- it's consistently rated one of the top ten scenic drives in the
state.
Garner
State Park
Take 337 West 17 miles to Leakey.
From here head south on 83 through the Frio River Canyon to Garner
State Park.
Lost
Maples State Natural Area
Go North on 187 to Lost Maples State Natural Area. Besides the bigtooth
maples there’s a forest of sycamores thriving on the waters of the
Sabinal River. Fall foliage makes this area a must for return visits
when the color peaks (usually) in early November.
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Bandera
County 1920s map showing Vanderpool
From Texas state map #10749
Courtesy
Texas General Land Office |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
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