VISITORS GUIDE: COLORADO COUNTY

Natural Attractions

Columbus is only 10 miles from the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge which is site No. 4 on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Eagle Lake, nearby, is the home of the Prairie Edge Museum dedicated to the natural history and cultural traditions of Colorado County. The museum is open 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The Colorado River offers ample opportunities for canoeing and tubing. Phone the Columbus Chamber of Commerce for details, .

Stephen F. Austin Colony

Columbus was surveyed and platted in August 1823 by some of the original 300 families of the Stephen F. Austin Colony. Following the fall of the Alamo, and the massacre of Col. Fannin's men at Goliad, General Sam Houston's Texas army was forced to retreat from Gonzales with the Mexican Army in close pursuit. They camped on opposite sides of the river at Columbus during a five day standoff. Houston then retreated to San Jacinto where he won his decisive victory over Santa Anna's forces on April 21, 1836. Visitors to Columbus today can picnic at Beason Park, near the campsite of the Texan troops. The Alley Log Cabin built in 1836 but later moved to 1224 Bowie Street in Columbus can be viewed on weekdays. Behind the cabin is an Antique Tool Museum. On special holidays, craftsmen and artisans at the museum can be seen demonstrating a variety of pioneer skills.

German

Frelsburg in the northern part of Colorado County was founded about 1838 by Capt. William Frels and his brother, John Frels who had immigrated to Texas in 1834 from Westphalia. The Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at Frelsburg is worth a stop.

Ranching

In 1886 the Stafford Bank and Opera House was completed for Robert Earl Stafford who had built a cattle empire after the Civil War. It was designed by Galveston architect Nicolas J. Clayton. The first floor housed his privately-owned bank and a dry-goods store owned by Adolph Senftenberg. The second floor was reserved for theatrical and social functions. Today the Stafford Opera House is the home of the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau and it is used for dinner theater productions. Phone for the schedule.

Other

The Annual Columbus Live Oak Festival in May includes the Annual Live Oaks Arts and Crafts Fair, Magnolia Homes Tours, an antiques fair at the Knights of Columbus Hall, historical re-enactments around the Courthouse, a presentation of the Magnolia Belles, music and more.

The Nesbitt Memorial Library and Colorado county Archives in Columbus is a treasure trove of information for historians and genealogists. The library also has a collection of dolls, antique and not so antique; and toys that would delight any doll collector.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy Museum is located in a former water tower on the courthouse square. Hours are Mondays & Thursdays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. On weekdays - and if district court is not in session - visitors can view the stained glass dome over the District Courtroom on the second floor of the Colorado County Courthouse.

Ask at the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau for a copy of the walking tour, and details regarding the car radio riding tour that features seven of Columbus' historic homes.

The Live Oak Art Center in downtown Columbus features local artists and is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The community of New Ulm sponsors an annual art and wildflower festival in April.

The Columbus Country Opry features local talent at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays at 714 Walnut in the old Oaks Movie Theater building.