Castell, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Castell, Texas
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 Castell, Texas
Location in Texas
Castell, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Llano |
| Elevation | 1,201 ft (366 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 325 |
| FIPS code | 48-13240 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1379514 |
Castell is a small, rural town in Llano County, Texas, United States. It's known for its strong German heritage. Many people living there today are of German-Texan descent. In 2010, about 104 people lived in Castell. The town is located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. The Llano River forms its northern border. In 1964, Castell was recognized as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
Contents
How Castell Began
Early German Settlements in Texas
Castell started in 1847. It was a piece of land given to German settlers in an area that was then Comanche territory. These settlers were part of a movement against slavery. The land had been part of a larger area called the Fisher–Miller Land Grant.
The Adelsverein and New Towns
Castell was one of several settlements supported by a group of important Germans called the Adelsverein. This group helped German immigrants move to Texas. Key members included Baron Emil von Kriewitz and John O. Meusebach. Count Carl Frederick Christion of Castell-Castell was also a leader in the Adelsverein.
Other towns started by this group were Schoenburg, Meerholz, Leiningen, and Bettina. Most of these towns did not last long. Bettina, for example, only existed for about a year. Only Castell survived in Llano County.
Life in Early Castell
Life for the first settlers in Castell was very hard. For the first couple of years, they relied on help from people in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg was about 50 miles away. A trip there and back took about four days.
Mormon Settlers in Castell
For a short time, about 20 Mormon families lived in Castell. They were led by Lyman Wight. These families had moved around Texas, living in Zodiac in 1847 and Mormon Mill in 1851. They settled in Castell briefly before moving further south to Bandera in 1854.
Castell Today
Location and Population
Castell was originally on the north side of the Llano River. Now, it is on the south side, in the western part of Llano County. It is close to the Mason County line.
In 1972 and again in 2000, Castell had a population of 72 people. By 2007, some reports claimed the population was only 23. Castell is in the Central Time Zone. Its ZIP code is 76831, and its area code is 325.
Local Businesses and Activities
Castell has a few small businesses. Many of these businesses focus on camping and hospitality. This is because the area is popular for flyfishing and kayaking on the Llano River.
Climate in Castell
Castell has a climate with hot, humid summers. The winters are generally mild to cool. This type of weather is known as a humid subtropical climate.
Important People from Castell
Emil Kriewitz
Emil Kriewitz was an important person in Castell's history. He lived with the Penateka Comanche people. He also helped guide settlers who came to the Fisher-Miller Land Grant. Emil Kriewitz served as a justice of the peace for Llano County in 1870. He was also an election judge in 1871. From 1876 to 1883, he worked as the postmaster of Castell.
