Hill Country Travel Blog
The Texas Rangers in Hill Country History
From the Lone Ranger to “True Grit” to Chuck Norris, the Texas Rangers have become such an integral part of American lore that their history borders on mythology. The image of the horse-mounted, brave Texas law man dispensing justice in the turbulent Wild Wild West is a staple of the childhoods of generations of kids who holstered up their cap guns and played the virtuous cowboy against legions of outlaws. We’d like to take a moment to tip our Stetsons in tribute to the role the Hill Country played in the pantheon of the fabled Texas Rangers.
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Henri Castro: Hill Country Architect
Even though the Texas Hill Country is full of historic examples of literal architecture, in our title we’re applying a more general definition to the term. Though his may not be an instantly-recognized name (beyond having Castroville named after him), Henri Castro was a Hill Country architect; he was instrumental in introducing European immigrants to the region, indirectly establishing much of its heritage.
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Luckenbach, Texas
Those reading this who are “of a certain age” will hear echoes of a famous song when we hear the name of Luckenbach, Texas: “Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas, with Waylon and Willie and the boys…” That song by Waylon Jennings was released in 1977. It brought international attention to this tiny Hill Country village ten miles southeast of Fredericksburg, and raised it to almost mythical status.
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OLD TUNNEL STATE PARK: A NATURAL WAY STATION
Midway between Fredericksburg and Comfort in the Texas Hill Country, you'll find Old Tunnel State Park . The park is a prime example of the blending of human and natural history, and offers an opportunity to visitors to see a unique and breathtaking natural display. Commerce and cargo used to pass through this railroad tunnel, but it's now home to some fascinating winged tenants.
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PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK: WILD WATERS OF THE HILL COUNTRY
Just east of the historic Hill Country towns of Johnson City and Fredericksburg, guests can visit the sprawling Pedernales Falls State Park . The park includes over 5,200 acres of recreational space, the centerpiece of which is the Pedernales River itself. For fifty years and counting, this park (also referred to as “Pedernales Falls Park,” or simply “Pedernales Falls”) has provided a getaway for those seeking adventure on the water, hikers, nature lovers, and more.
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KERRVILLE-SCHREINER PARK: WHERE KERRVILLE COMES TO PLAY
On the southern edge of the Hill Country town of Kerrville, you'll find one of the crown jewels in that town's civic pride: the Kerrville-Schreiner Park. Though it's occasionally referred to by its former name, “Kerrville State Park,” it's operated and maintained by the city's Parks and Recreation Department. It's the recreational heart of Kerrville, and has served as a popular gathering spot in the Hill Country since the early 20th century.
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THE LBJ & LADY BIRD PARKS: HONORING THE HILL COUNTRY'S OWN
Texas has a worldwide reputation for everything big—that applies not only to its size, but also to the larger-than-life folks of renown who have either come from the Lone Star State, or made their mark on history here. Arguably one of the best-known was Lyndon Baines Johnson (or LBJ, as he's more commonly known), who served as the 36th president of the United States from 1963 to 1969. LBJ was born and raised right in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, and he and his lovely wife Lady Bird called the area home before, during, and after their tenure in the White House. Both of them were products of their Texas upbringing, and both
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MEDINA LAKE PARK: THE HILL COUNTRY WATER PLAYGROUND
If you travel about 25 miles southeast of Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World, you'll come upon Bandera County's Medina Lake Park. (Though some may refer to it as “Medina Lake State Park,” it's actually run by Bandera County.) This popular recreation spot is technically a man-made reservoir, created when the Medina River was dammed in the early 20th century. Since its creation, it has forged a reputation of providing water fun and adventure of all kinds for both the Texas Hill Country and the San Antonio metro area.
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