The Paisano Hotel was built in 1930 in anticipation of a boom in the local economy. However, that boom never happened. Today, visitors to Marfa, Texas can spend the night at this historic hotel…or just stop by for dinner at Jett’s Grill and a stroll through the hotel’s lobby and courtyard. (In fact, we ate at Jett’s Grill twice during our stay in Marfa!)
To read more about accomodations in Marfa, you might want to check out my post Thunderbird Hotel: Feeling the Retro Vibe.
This marker is located in Alamo Plaza near the Alamo Cenotaph. It says:
Adina de Zavala
[...]
Her firm belief, later verified, was that remnants of Mission San Antonio de Valero, known in 1836 as the Alamo’s long barracks, lay underneath the wooden exterior of buildings adjacent to the Alamo church. By 1893, as President of the De Zavala Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Miss Adina had secured the adjacent property owner’s commitment to give the chapter first purchase option. In 1908, upon hearing that the 2-story long barracks were about to be razed, Miss Adina barricaded herself inside the building for three days and nights in an effort that ultimately prevented their destruction.
Yes, that’s right. Barricaded herself inside the building for three days!
Adina de Zavala’s impact can be seen throughout San Antonio. She was responsible for identifying historical sights, encouraged the state-wide celebration of Texas Independence Day each year, and formed organizations that would help protect historic landmarks.
Remember when you couldn’t turn on the TV without hearing the word “maverick”? (This was around the same time we were talking about pigs in lipstick and hockey moms and other ridiculously off-topic matters.) What does the word really mean? Where did the word originate? A word like “maverick” had to have been born in Texas, right? Of course.
As we were walking through downtown San Antonio on Saturday, I came across a Texas Historical Commission marker near Alamo Plaza. It stated the following:
Site of Home (1850 to 1870) of Samual Augustus Maverick
A native of South Carolina, came to San Antonio in 1835, was guide for Ben Milam and other leaders in first attack on San Antonio by Texas Army, Dec. 1835. As Bexar delegate, Maverick signed Texas Declaration of Independence at Washington-on-the-Brazos, 1836.
[...]
His famous practice of letting his cattle run about unbranded gave English language the word “maverick,” meaning an independent person, as well as unbranded animal. Texas’ Maverick county and town were named in his honor. (see complete historical marker text below.)
It’s unclear why Maverick didn’t brand his cattle. Was he lazy? Or was he more concerned with the land he owned than with his cattle? Maybe he didn’t want to be cruel to the animals? (This seems unlikely since Maverick was a slave owner and had no problem mistreating people. Someone who would treat his fellow humans in such a way doesn’t seem like the type to be concerned about the comfort of his cattle.) It has also been suggested that he wanted to be able to claim any unbranded cattle that he came across.
Or maybe he went a little nuts. After all, this heat could drive anybody bonkers.
I didn’t expect to fall in love with Floore’s Country Store when we drove over to Old Town Helotes today. I expected that E. and I would walk around, take a few pictures, and get back in the car. But sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don’t expect.
As someone who is fascinated by Texas, particularly the small towns of the Hill Country, I knew I had to walk into Floore’s Country Store the minute I saw its large, over-the-top signs.
According to the Texas historical marker, Floore’s has hosted the likes of Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, and Hank Williams. A passerby told us that he remembers sitting on the steps with his kids years ago and waiting to get a glimpse of Johnny Cash. This place sure has a history!
E. and I went inside and got drinks (a milk for E. and a Big Red for me), and took our drinks outside and sat on those same steps.
The lesson I learned today? You never know when you’ll stumble onto a place you love. Your next adventure could be right around the corner!
For more travel photos, be sure to stop by the family travel blog Delicious Baby for Photo Friday.
The Hill Country town of Comfort, Texas is filled with historic buildings. In fact, almost the entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Comfort State Bank building, which now houses a museum, can be found at the corner of High and 7th Street. The Texas Historical Commission marker says the following:
Constructed in 1907 for Alex Brinkmann, this building housed the Comfort State Bank until 1960. Local stonemason Richard Doebbler is credited with the hand-cut stone craftsmanship of the structure. The Comfort Public Library was located here from 1961 to 1982. Features of the modified Richardsonian Romanesque building include polished red granite columns, a round-headed window, a corner entrance, and a blind arcade in the tower.
To read more about Comfort, check out my post What Remains of the General Store. You can also take a look at the overview of Comfort at Texas Escapes.
If you’d like to share your own Texas photo, feel free to add your link in the Comments section.
This historic home can be found at the corner of 24th Street and Whitis Avenue on the University of Texas campus. It is an excellent example of Victorian architecture with all of its ornate details. Just look at the roof line, with its spires, multi-colored tiles, and dormer windows.
Is the Littlefield House haunted? Check out this article from the University of Texas: Littlefield Spirit Lives On.
If you’re interested in exploring Austin, check out this driving tour from about.com: A Driving Tour of the University of Texas Area.
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To read more about Gruene, check out these posts here on Wandering Off:
For excellent Gruene photos, take a look at Fatherhoody’s blog post Fun in Gruene.
And if you’re still needing more Gruene in your day, follow @GrueneTX on Twitter!
Nothing like a Texas Historical Commission Marker to ring in the new year:
Here you can see the building’s very distinctive dome:
According to the Handbook of Texas, both Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant are listed in the guest book of the Casino Club, which was founded in 1854. This building was constructed in 1927 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Casino Club buliding is located at 102 W. Crockett Street in downtown San Antonio, Texas.
Update: I edited this post in October 2010 to replace the picture of the Casino Club dome with a better one.
