LA GRANGE

Population 4,003

Altitude 272

General

Located where old buffalo trail later known as La Bahia Road crossed the Colorado River. Developed 1831, became seat of Fayette Country 1837. County and town said named by early settlers for their home town and county in Tennessee. "Historic Oak" on north side of square has been muster point for men in six conflicts.

Downtown area include 1890s courthouse, old country jail, 1886 MKT Depot, historical markers, and St. James Episcopal Church, c. 1885, at 156 N. Monroe St.

City is pivotal point on the Texas Pioneer Trail covering four-county area. For additional information and map, contact the chamber of commerce (see below).

Bed and breakfast accommodations are available in historic buildings.

Attractions

• FAYETTE HERITAGE MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES-Local art and genealogical collections. Open Tues. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Sun. 1 - 5 p.m. 855 S. Jefferson.
• KREISCHE BREWERY STATE HISTORIC SITE- Ruins of stone brewery and home built by stonemason Heinreich L. Kreische who came to La Grange in 1840s. His brewery was one of first commercial breweries in Texas with output of more than 700 barrels in one year. Guided tours tell the story of this German immigrant and details of this brewing process. Brewery is part of adjacent Monument Hill State Historic site (see below). May be viewed form overlook; tours only Sat., Sun. at 2 & 3:30 p.m.
• MONUMENT HILL STATE HISTORIC SITE-Final resting place of men who drew black beans of death after Mier Expedition against Mexico, and 41 of Capt. Nicholas Dawson's soldiers massacred by Mexicans at Salado Creek (one of five Texas streams named Salado) near San Antonio in 1842. Monument is handsome 48-foot marker of stone, bronze and polychrome. Visitor center; self-guided, wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail, nature trail, picnic sites, playground. Open daily, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Two miles south off U. S. 77, spur 92. Admission (includes Kreische Brewery tour when offered).
• SCENIC DRIVES-U.S. 77 southwest to F.M. 2436 to Hostyn. Be sure to stop by the Holy Rosary Catholic Church to see the Hostyn Grotto. First Texas highway roadside park 10 miles west on Texas 71; also, scenic overlook of Colorado River Valley. Other scenic drives throughout area, especially pretty during bluebonnet and Indian blanket flowering season. Contact La Grange Area Chamber of Commerce, on town square at 129 N. Main St., or call 409/968-5756.

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