VISITORS GUIDE: FAYETTE COUNTY

Native American

A natural ford in the Colorado River has been used by Native Americans as a a natural crossroads for thousands of years. Prehistoric tools and weapons can be seen at the Old Jail Museum in La Grange.

German Heritage

Thousands of German immigrants were brought to Texas in the 1840s by Prince Carl Solms Braunfels. Many remained in Fayette County.

At Monument Hill-Kreische Brewery State Historical Park near La Grange, visitors can tour the remins of the first commercial brewery in Texas. At Christmas the park offers a Trail of Lights and German Christmas entertainment in a 150-year-old three-story stone house.

At Round Top, visitors to Henkel Square can view a collection of homes and other structures built by these German immigrants. Many of these homes feature decorative painting. For tour information phone .

Czech Heritage

Beginning in the 1850's Czech immigrants too were drawn to Texas by letters written back to the old country. When they examined the black land prairie of Fayette County they quickly decided "Tak, jen do toho!" And get to gettin' they did.

Owning a farm is at the heart of Czech culture. Before a wedding could take place the groom had to own or rent land on which to farm.

But for the Czechs it was never all work and no play. There is a proverb, "Co Cech, to Musikant" which means "If Czech, then musician.

The Baca Band of Fayetteville was organized by Frank Baca in 1882. The band still performs at dances in Fayetteville every month under the leadership of Gil Baca. You can view Baca Family Band and other Czech memorabilia at the Fayetteville Museum on Sunday afternoons.

On Sundays Czech spirits were uplifted as they worshiped in churches with spectacularly-pointed ceilings. These Czech Painted Churches are still an inspiration and a delight to the eye.

Guided tours to these churches can be arranged through the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce.

Maps and a video of the tour also are available at the La Grange and the Schulenburg Chambers of Commerce.

To learn more about the region's Czech heritage visit the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center at La Grange. A walking tour features a series of thatched kiosks that tell the story of the Texas Czechs. Phone for a schedule of performances in the amphitheater.

Also, the Fayette Czech Heritage Singers and Dancers perform at events throughout the year.

African-American

At Monument Hill State Park near La Grange, ask about Joe Griffen, an African American who died in the Dawson Massacre in 1842.

Other

Market Days are held at La Grange on the first Saturday of the month and the Pleasant Hill Winery offers weekend tours.

Museum exhibits at E.A. Arnim Museum (Flatonia) and Fayette Museum Library and Archives ... ... 1853 fire cart at the Schulenburg Museum ... and antique toys at Stanzel Museum (Schulenburg) ...

Tour historic homes: the Stagecoach Inn (Winedale), Faison Home (La Grange) ... the Stanzel Home (Schulenburg)and Schaefer Home (Flatonia).

Also ask about Shakespeare at Winedale ... Classical music concerts at (Round Top) ... Antique Shows (Round Top and Warrenton Area) ... the Cemetery Tour (La Grange) ... Big Band Dancing (La Grange) ... Forums on Antiques and Decorative Arts at Festival-Institute (Round Top) ... Walking Tour of La Grange Main Street ... Backstreet Theater plays (Schulenburg) ... and our wildflower tours in April.