|
 |
|
History
in a Pecan Shell
Castell now has the distinction of being the oldest surviving settlement
in Llano County.
Although the town is now on the south bank of the Llano
River, it began on the north bank in 1847.
Castell was settled by German immigrants led by Count Emil von Kriewitz.
John O. Meusebach had chosen the land following the dictates of
the Fisher-Miller land grant. The towns namesake was Count Carl
Frederick Castell-Castell, business manager of the Adelsverein.
Other "sister-settlements" included Bettina,
Leiningen, and Schoenburg - all of which failed to survive. A post
office opened on the south side of the river in 1872.
The local Methodist and Lutheran
churches date from 1852 and Castell remains a religious center
in Llano County.
Most residents are descendants of the original settlers.
|
|
Castell Post
Office, TX 76831
Photo
courtesy Barclay
Gibson, July 2011
|
Photographers'
Notes:
"It was a busy day in Castell the day we passed through. There
was a wedding in town and a family reunion at the schoolhouse. The
schoolhouse looks to have been recently renovated. People were cooling
of in the nearby river as well." - William
Beachamp
"The schoolhouse and church actually face each other and are
across the street from the general store. Apparently there is a rooster
at the general store, who is somewhat of a local celebrity. There’s
a sign outside that mentions it, and a Chicken Crossing traffic sign."
- Erik
Whetstone |
The Old Castell
Schoolhouse
Photo courtesy Erik
Whetstone, August 2005 |
Trinity United
Methodist Church
Photo courtesy Erik
Whetstone, August 2005 |
St. John Lutheran
Church Historical Marker
Photo courtesy William
Beachamp, July 2011 |
| 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. |
|
|
HOME
