Spring 2024
YYr Guide to DeWii CYnty Wildfllls Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County 1
Welcome to DeWitt County “Wildflower Capital of Texas” The Texas Legislature passed HR 769 on May 4, 1999, designating DeWitt County as the Wildflower Capital of Texas. They also designated April as Wildflower Month in Texas. DeWitt County has an amazing variety of wildflowers transforming our “Lanes & Byways” into a show of spring finery. There are over 800 miles of county and farm to market roads, each unique. They can’t all be driven in a day, so the wildflower people have scouted them out for you. Wildflower maps are available at the Cuero Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Bureau, Yorktown Chamber of Commerce, DeWitt County Historical Museum, Yoakum Chamber of Commerce and many businesses around DeWitt County. There is also a map on pages 18 and 19 of this guide. Visitors from far and wide say they see a wider variety and density of flowers here in DeWitt County than anywhere else. Botanists and photographers come back year after year. One of our favorite guests has been Lady Bird Johnson. She told of enjoying the vast variety and finding wildflowers in the display that she has never seen before. Word of the wealth of wildflowers in DeWitt County has spread. Why does DeWitt County have one of the greatest variety of wildflowers in the State? It is located at the confluence of soil and climatic conditions common to the hill country, coastal central plains, and the South Texas desert regions. Thus, you will find some vegetation native to all these areas in DeWitt County. Come and enjoy the towns and rural communities, historical sites, rolling hills, quaint shops, and South Texas hospitality.
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Wild About DeWitt County
Table of Contents Welcome to DeWitt County .........................2 Concrete Area Information ........................... 5 Lindenau Area Information .......................... 7
Spring 2024-2025 Edition A product of The Cuero Record & Yorktown News-View
Publisher
Cuero Area Information................................ 8
Dave Shabaz
Meyersville Area Information ...................... 10
Ad/Page Designer
Yorktown Area Information ......................... 11 Westhoff Area Information ......................... 13 Yoakum Area Information........................... 14 Identifying Wildflowers .........................16, 17 DeWitt County Map Routes..................18, 19 Map Route Details ..................................... 20 Hochheim Area Information ....................... 21 Nordheim Area Information........................ 23 Arneckeville Area Information .................... 32 Around the County Events - Cuero ..... 26, 27 Around the County Events - Yoakum ........ 27 Around the County Events - Yorktown ....... 28
Cover photo by Debbie Granberry
Shania Horton
Contributing Photographers Debbie Granberry Michelle Hochdorf Michele Bennett Marsha Gibson Dianna Bartosh Mike Cantu Dee Henneke Pam Anderson Ryan Parker Mary Adele Blackwell
Editorial Content
Cross Promotion Committee: City of Cuero Cuero Chamber of Commerce City of Nordheim Cuero Development Corporation Cuero Main Street Program Yoakum Chamber of Commerce Yorktown Chamber of Commerce Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum Cuero Heritage Museum Pharmacy & Medical Museum of Texas Yoakum Heritage Museum COPYRIGHT: Wild About DeWitt County is published by DeWitt County Publishing Company. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without permission of the publisher.
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Concrete
The Upper Cuero Creek Settlement of 1827 developed to be Concrete, DeWitt County’s earliest town site. In 1846, the blocks for a town were surveyed. Once the site of one of the earliest colleges in Texas, the county’s oldest and most populous community declined in 1873 when the railroad was built 10 miles away and the town of Cuero began. See the Historical Marker detailing the history of Concrete College (1865-1889) on US 183 and the Historical Marker honoring Dr W. W. White, a Civil War surgeon, one mile closer to Cuero. Follow the lane by the Historical Marker to Stevens Family Cemetery. Photos by: Debbie Granberry
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Lindenau
German farmers settled in this area by 1891. To reach Lindenau, leave Cuero on FM 953, Cheapside Road. Stay on FM 953, veer left at the “Y” in the road and follow the sign. See the Rifle Club, formed in 1901, now used as a dance hall and St. John’s Lutheran Church.
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Cuero
It is thought that an Indian campsite, used seasonally for tanning the hides of buffalo and other game, existed somewhere on Cuero Creek and that the early Spaniards translated the Indian word for the site to “Cuero”, a word meaning leather, hide, or skin. The earliest U.S. post office (1846) was named “Cuero” and in 1873 when a railroad was built from Indianola, the town that was built at its terminus was named “Cuero”. In 1876, Cuero was designated as the county seat, which had been located in Clinton. Many of Cuero’s homes and structures are on the National Registry of Historic Places. In 1969, Cuero earned the All American City Award, and in 1987, the Keep Texas Beautiful Award. The Texas Historical Commission selected Cuero a 1985 Main Street City. Visit the DeWitt County Courthouse, 307 N. Gonzales, the Cuero Heritage Museum, 124 E. Church, the DeWitt County Historical Museum, 312 E. Broadway, the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, 302 N. Esplanade, and the Pharmacy and Medical Museum of Texas, 114 E. Main. There are historical markers at four churches: St. Mark’s Lutheran, St. Michael’s Catholic, the First Methodist, and Grace Episcopal. More than 40 Historical Markers are to be found in and around Cuero.
PHOTO BY MICHELE BENNETT
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Jay Babcock, PT, DPT Kala Mabry, PT, DPT Aaron Spears, PTA Jesus Vasquez, PTA Michele Stevens, PTA Eliana Diaz, PTA
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Meyersville Established in 1867 by Isaac Egg, a Swiss immigrant, Egg Store began first as a tin shop. The present building was erected in 1917. The back of the store contains a mini-museum featuring the old wooden telephone switchboard, turn of the century tools and hardware, early shoes and dishes, plus items custom made in the old tin shop. Settled in 1849 by German immigrants, Meyersville is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. Visit the Old Stone Church, first church built of logs in 1850, one of the oldest Lutheran congregations in Texas. Behind the old and new churches is St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Earliest recorded burials date back to 1854. St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church was organized in 1859.
PHOTOBYDIANABARTOSH
PHOTO BY MICHELE BENNETT 10 Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2024-2025
PHOTO BY MARSHA GIBSON
Yorktown The oldest existing municipality in DeWitt County was laid out in 1848 on the property of Captain John York. Visit the Yorktown Historical Museum located at 144 W. Main in the old Charles Eckhardt Store. It is restored and listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. See the home site of Captain John York 7.7 miles southeast of the city on FM 237, on the right. Drive .3 miles on York Cemetery Road. The cemetery is on the left. Historical Marker has been placed at Eckhardt Ranch House 4 miles west off TX 72. There are three Shooting Clubs and Dance Halls within a 10-mile radius. Nearby Coleto Creek is a pleasant place to walk and see the wildflowers on the wildflower trail that meanders through the park. PHOTO BY RYAN PARKER Spring 2024-2025 | Wild About DeWitt County 11
Photo By Mike Cantu
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Westhoff
Founded in 1906 as Bello (Beautiful View), the town was renamed in 1909 for William Westhoff, merchant and political leader. This is a beautiful area where wildflowers abound.
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Yoakum
A Main Street City, Yoakum in 1989 received the Governor’s Achievement Award. Known as the “Leather Capital” of the Southwest, it is located on the DeWitt-Lavaca County line on land granted by Mexico in 1835 to settler John May. Of interest are the Church of Holy Communion, 405 Hugo, and ruins of Brush Creek Church, over 100 years old. It is the oldest structure in the Yoakum Community and was destroyed by fire in 1932. The ruins are near St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Yoakum Heritage Museum, in the old Browning Home, 310 Simpson, has monthly displays.
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PHOTO BY MIKE CANTU Hours: Weekdays: 10:00-12:00 and 1:00-4:00 Saturday: 10:00-3:00 Spring 2024-2025 | Wild About DeWitt County 15
Identifying White Indian Paintbrush Deborah Granberry
Spider Milweed
Deborah Granberry
Herbertia lahue
Formosan Thistle
Coneflower
Indian Paintbrush
Dee Henneke
Pam Anderson
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Michele Bennett
Mike Cantu
Wildflowers Blue Curls
Dianna Bartosh
Baby Blue Eyes
Mary Adele Blackwell
Goldenmane Coreopsis
Bluebell
Ryan Parker
Dianna Bartosh
Stiff-stem Flax
Purple Bindweed
Michele Bennett
Michele Bennett
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D E WI T T COU NT Y
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MAP ROUTES
Springfollowing 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County 19 Route deatils on page.
COUNTY MAP ROUTE DETAILS CONCRETE EDGAR ROUTE Exit Cuero via US 77A. After the overpass, veer to the left on US 183N. Continue left on 183N for approximately 9 miles to the Concrete-Edgar Road sign and turn right. At the sharp right turn, continue on paved road. Take the first left and continue to the intersection at US 77A. Turn right to return to Cuero. This route is approximately 20 miles. YORKTOWN ROUTE Concentration of flowers in the western part of the county varies from year to year, so check with the Chamber for current status. This route is approximately 17 miles. The TX 72 river bridge is currently out; please follow our detour signs. STRATTON ROUTE Exit Cuero via FM 1447 and continue until you reach the Primitive Baptist Church. Turn around and return to Cuero. This is a busy road, so drive carefully. This route is approximately 20 miles. DREYER ROUTE Follow FM 766, which will bring you back to US 183. Turn right and drive several miles south to the big intersection and turn left at TX 111. Then after a short drive, turn left again at FM 443 to Dreyer Road. Follow FM 443 to Rathkamp Dreyer Road and turn right. At the Sons of Hermann Cemetery, follow the Rathkamp Dreyer Road to the left. Turn right on FM 996 when you reach the T and follow it to Petersville; then turn left on TX 111 to Yoakum. At the 4-way stop signs, turn right onto US 77A and return to Cuero. This route is approximately 50 miles. It can be shortened by turning right on TX 111 in Petersville; then turn left on US 183S to return to Cuero.
WESTHOFF Exit Cuero Northwest via FM 766. Turn left toward Cheapside on Bellevue Cemetery Road. After passing the cemetery, take the first left exit to Westhoff. At Westhoff, cross US 87 and follow FM 240 going South toward Yorktown. At FM 2542, turn left. At Mustang Mott, turn right onto US 87 and return to Cuero. This drive is approximately 40 miles. For a shortened version, turn left onto US 87 at Westhoff instead of crossing it. LINDENAU ROUTE Exit Cuero via TX 72 West (Old San Antonio Highway/ Heaton). The TX 72 river bridge is out; follow the detour to Old San Antonio Road. The first road after the old underpass is Lindenau Road. Turn right at the dance hall, and then turn right on to FM 953. At the Boldt Road sign, turn left. Take Hartman Road where Boldt Road intersects it. It will take you to Bellevue Cemetery Road, and then turn right. Turn right again at FM 766, it will bring you back to Cuero. There is so much to see in the Lindenau area, such as old town buildings and St. John’s Lutheran Church on Schlinke Road. ARNECKEVILLE/MEYERSVILLE ROUTE If you like old rustic churches, then this is the route for you. Take FM 236 South out of Cuero and after 7 miles, turn right on Zion Cemetery Road to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Take time to go in and see the church and the cemetery. When you get to FM 236, turn right. Watch for the FM 3157 sign to Meyersville, a sharp turn to the right. While in Meyersville, visit the St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church on FM 237, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on FM 237, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Old Stone Church (audio history) and cemetery, plus, Egg’s Store and Museum. To depart this route, FM 3157 becomes Meyersville Road. Go West to US 183S and turn right. This is the Goliad Highway and you are heading back to Cuero. Go past the TxDOT gravel storage and on the right you will see the Antioch Baptist Church. Services are still held there. After that you will come to the Ratcliff Road sign (FM 2718), turn left. After 5.5 miles, the Rabke Methodist Church will be on the left. This church was established in 1894, and services are held there occasionally.
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Hochheim Once a thriving community, settled in the 1850s by American and German immigrants, Hochheim today consists of a few homes, a Baptist Church, and a post office. Hochheim Cemetery Historical Marker, located at the cemetery, is the site for interment of immigrant pioneers and descendants dating back to the Civil War. On US 183 towards Gonzales are two Hochheim Historical Markers. The Hoch Home (heim) and Stage Stop ,one mile south of Hochheim on US 183, was built by Valentine Hoch of hand-quarried sandstone. The old building still stands and can be seen by following the dirt road (Whitley Road) by the Historical Marker.
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Nordheim Old buildings, many in original state with pressed tin and wooden fronts, line Main Street—actually Broadway Street. The Nordheim Museum, 3rd block up from TX 72, contains artifacts from the local area. Visit the Broadway Bar, where scenes from the movie “Paris, Texas”, were filmed in this early setting. Historical Markers are at the Nordheim Jubilee Park Pavilion and the Nordheim Shooting Club on Broadway, west of Nordheim. The Koontz Home, built in 1901, is located 3 blocks west of Broadway on TX 72. The Nordheim Pilot Knob Cemetery is on the south edge of town.
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Photo by Michele Bennett
Photo by Michele Bennett
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Explore Cuero's Museums and Mural Art
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PHOTO BY DIANA BARTOSH
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Around the County... UPCOMING EVENTS IN DEWITT COUNTY
Cuero, Texas
Each year, nature’s beauty is in bloom down the lanes and by-ways of DeWitt County. Over 1,000 species of wildflowers are indigenous to the county. DeWitt County is known as the Wildflower Capital of Texas because of this fact. Color-coded route maps are available at the Chamber office, 210 E. Main Street, to give you the best views of flowers. Activities during the month include a 5K run/walk and a cycling race through wildflower strewn areas, photography exhibits at the Cuero Heritage Museum, DeWitt County Historical Museum, and at the Cuero Public Library. For more information on events, visit the Events Calendar link online at cuero.org, or contact the Chamber office at 361-275-2112.
WORLD SERIES OF CUERO
CUERO TURKEYFEST
1st Saturday in August
2nd weekend in October
Cuero Main Street
210 E. Main, Downtown Cuero – www.cueromainstreet.com
Experience Cuero’s Historic Downtown District for shopping, dining and exploring our award winning museums! DOWNTOWN FARMER’S MARKET DAYS 4th Saturday, March – October, 9-1:00 PM, under the Market Pavilion
HOMETOWN HARVEST ON MAIN 4th Monday in April, 5:30-8:30 PM, Farm-to-Table meal served on Main Street
JUNE ART MONTH Discover art centered activities in Downtown Cuero during the month of June
HOWL-O-WEEN PET PARADE 4th Saturday in October during the Downtown Farmers’ Market Days, 9-1:00 PM
CHRISTMAS IN DOWNTOWN 2nd weekend in December, two days of Christmas Magic with horse carriages, ice skating, food, shopping and more!
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Around the County... UPCOMING EVENTS IN DEWITT COUNTY
Cuero, Texas Christmas in the Park www.cuerochristmasinthepark.org It is never to early to start thinking about planning your visit to Cuero’s Christmas in the Park. Always the Monday before Thanksgiving through January 1st from 6 – 10 p.m. Over 260 lighted displays with free admission.
Yoakum, Texas Happenings in Yoakum
Yoakum Chamber: 105 Huck Street., Yoakum • 361-293-2309 • www.yoakumareachamber.com
DUELING PIANOS April 27 at the Yoakum Community Center, 6:30 - 10 p.m.
TOM-TOM FESTIVAL
May 31, June 1st-2nd ,Downtown and City Park, Carnival, Parade, BBQ Cookoff, Car Show, Kids Games, Arts & Crafts, Food Vendors and Live Entertainment.
HOMETOWN STREET DANCE September 21st on West Grand Avenue.
SIP AND SHOP
November 21st with over 20 Arts & Crafts Vendors as well as over 20 retail businesses that participate in this great shopping event that will help you find the unique gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.
CHRISTMAS ON GRAND
December 7th - includes snow and kids games, visits with Santa and a lighted Christmas parade. Spring 2024-2025 | Wild About DeWitt County 27
Around the County... UPCOMING EVENTS IN DEWITT COUNTY
Yorktown, Texas Happenings in Yorktown
Yorktown Chamber: 141 S Riedel St., Yorktown • 361-564-2661 www.yorktowntx.com/chamber-of-commerce
March Community Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday of Palm Sunday
April Annual Awards Banquet
May
Celebration at Veterans Helicopter Monument - Memorial Day
August
Back to School Bash
October
Yorktown Western Days the 3rd FULL Weekend in October Trunt-or-Treat on October 31
November
Veterans Day program with YISD students, Local Business Punch Card Promotion
December
Christmas with Santa - 1st Thursday of December Majestic Lights
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PHOTO BY MARSHA GIBSON
Photo by Michele Bennett
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Photo by Marsha Gibson
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We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best coverage at competitive rates.
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Arneckeville
This rural German Community, settled in the 1850s, is 8 miles south of Cuero on FM 236. Zion Lutheran Church was founded in 1868. The adjacent cemetery contains several Civil War Markers.
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Photo by Michele Bennett
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PHOTO BY MARSHA GIBSON
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Liquor • Wine • Beer Mixers • Gifts • Cigars Check Cashing 202 E. Broadway • Cuero • 361-275-8860 Monday - Saturday • 10am - 9pm Spring 2024-2025 | Wild About DeWitt County 35
Appointments required through our website
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