[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 179 (Thursday, December 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO LANDMARK INN STATE HISTORIC SITE OF CASTROVILLE, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. WILL HURD

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 10, 2015

  Mr. HURD of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Landmark Inn State Historic Site of Castroville, Texas, on the 
completion of its extensive restoration efforts. The Landmark Inn State 
Historic Site, which is a Texas Historical Commission property, 
preserves an important part of Texas' history. The Landmark Inn not 
only protects the cultural and natural value of this area, but also 
ensures that future generations of Texans will be able to enjoy its 
rich history.
  The Landmark Inn gives unique insight into the lives of Texas' 
earliest settlers. The city of Castroville was established on September 
3, 1844, by entrepreneur Henri Castro and a group of settlers from the 
Alsace region of France. One of its earliest inhabitants was a man 
named Cesar Monod, who was elected Mayor of Castroville in 1852 and 
built a combined home and store to serve travelers along the San 
Antonio-El Paso road. In 1853, a merchant named John Vance bought the 
property and built living quarters for his visitors onto the existing 
store, including galleries, a family residence, and even a multistory 
bathhouse. This became the Vance Hotel. Several other entrepreneurs, 
including George L. Haass and Laurent Quintle, built a dam on the 
property that diverted water from the Medina River to power a 
gristmill. Finally, in 1925, Jordan T. Lawler converted the gristmill 
into Castroville's very first electric power plant. It is over a 
hundred years later in 1981 that the Landmark Inn was dedicated as a 
historically designated site.
  The 23rd Congressional District of Texas stretches from San Antonio 
to El Paso, along over 820 miles of the border, and includes 
Castroville, a gem that is home to over 2,600 residents. The Landmark 
Inn provides an opportunity for today's Texans to deepen their 
understanding of Castroville's early pioneers. Those dedicated to the 
Landmark Inn's restoration emulate the hard work and values evident in 
this great city's founders. The level of excellence shown in preserving 
the rich history of this site is a reflection of the residents of 
Castroville and their values, and their devotion to tradition serves as 
a source of pride for the entire city and the 23rd Congressional 
District of Texas. It is my honor to represent Castroville, and I wish 
continued success to the Landmark Inn in its future endeavors.

                          ____________________