On the Go: Day 3: Texas Road Trip

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Day 3: Texas Road Trip

It was back on the road today. As I was about ten miles out of town I noticed flashing lights ahead with a large group of vehicles. As I neared the area, it was awful! I glanced to the side of the road and noticed several things. Mangled bicycles. Bikers laying in the grass. EMT fiercely administrating CPR. It was awful! I continued on my way but my mind was so foggy with thoughts that some family was probably going to get awful news today. The scene really weighed heavy and couldn't get it out of my head!

My destination today was LaGrange, Texas. I had a quick lunch at Weikel's Bakery which is located in a gas station . . . don't judge! The soup, sandwich, and kolache were delicious! I sat outside watching the locals come and go.

It was on to Monument Hill and The Kreische Brewery. Both of these sites are Texas Historic Commissions Sites which is a state agency for historical preservation. They preserve places around Texas that tell real stories of Texans and Texas History.

Monument Hill is a crypt and memorial to the men who died in the Dawson Massacre and in the Black Bean Episode of the ill-fated Mier Expedition. I had no idea what this was and don't remember ever learning about this in my Texas History classes.

The view was amazing over looking the valley below.

The Kreische Brewery site commemorates the contribution European immigrants made in Texas, specifically German immigrant, stonemason and brewer Heinrich Kreische, whose house and brewery ruins are in the park.

After a hike down to the ruins, you can see there isn't much left of the brewery.

Of course when you hike down you must hike back up . . .

The Kreische Family House . . . very well preserved.

My next stop for today was the Fayette County Courthouse. Most counties in Texas have a beautiful courthouse in the county seat in the middle of the town square. This one sure is pretty. I did a quick peek inside and a walk around the perimeter.