Czech Heritage Society of Texas

The Texas Czech Heritage Tour Brochure is a TOCA project to promote and help preserve the role of Czech communities in Texas history.

Main port of entry for pioneer Czech immigrants to Texas. Located off Port Industrial Blvd. (Harborside Dr.), the Texas Seaport Museum explores the Port of Galveston in the 1800s. Computer database information available on thousands of immigrants who entered Texas through this Port. Next to, and part of, the Museum is the Elisa moored at Pier 21. The Elisa is one of the world’s oldest seaworthy sailing vessels. Open daily, admission charge. For information write GHF, 1016 Strand, Galveston, TX 77550, or Tel: 409-763-1877.

After landing at Galveston the early Czech pioneers traveled by barge up the Buffalo Bayou to Harrisburg and/or Houston. Harrisburg is now a part of Houston. The Bill Mraz Dance Hall built in 1947 at 835 West 34^th St. is a historic site that became the social hub for Czech families in the Houston area. The largest SPJST lodge in the state, No. 88, and the Sokol hall and museum are located here. Houston is the home of the Czech Cultural Center, which presently operates the CCC Market Place as a museum gift shop of Czech and Slovak products at the Northwest Mall, Loop 610 West and North at junction of US 290 Tel: 713-686-6362, www.czechcenter.org.

Located at junction of FM 949 and FM 2187. A predominately German community that became a stopping point for early Czech immigrants. Rev. Josef Arnost Bergmann from Bohemia settled here in 1850. He was a pastor, teacher, and farmer. He is credited, through his letters to Europe, with being the catalyst of Czech immigration to Texas. Few Czechs settled in Cat Springs, most moved to other communities. Bergmann spent his last years in Corsicana and was buried there in April 1877.

Nelsonville is located at junction of SH 159 and FM 2502. New Bremen is located 4 miles south of Nelsonville on CR 187. The first group of Czech immigrants to Texas settled between these two communities in 1851. They were predominately Moravian Brethren and organized congregations in Nelsonville and 8 miles northeast at Wesley. A Brethren church is located in Nelsonville. There are eight cemeteries located within a two-mile radius. Josef L. Lesikar constructed the first Czech home built in Texas here in 1856. A replica of this home is housed in the SPJST museum in Temple. State Historical Marker titles: "First Czech Immigrants in Texas" located 1 mile east on SH 159; "First House Built by First Czech Settlers in Texas" is off of SH 159.

Located at the junction of SH 36 and FM 1093 just 12 miles southeast of Sealy. Some on the first settlers in the area came from Fayette County in 1890. The area they first settled in was called Krasna (beautiful). It was located about 3 miles southeast of Wallis in Fort Bend County. They planned to build a Catholic Church, school, and cemetery. Only the cemetery remains. The community moved to Wallis where the Catholic Church dedicated to The Guardian Angel was built in 1900. The present Church located at 5610 Demel Street is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The original town site has been preserved as an antique shopper’s delight. State Historic Marker titled: "Guardian Angel Catholic Church" on church grounds.

A group of Czech Brethren in 1851 settled in an area they called Veseli, now called Wesley in southwestern Washington County off FM 332. Josef Masik became the first formal Czech teacher in the US when in 1859 he opened a school in a private home and later in the Brethren church building. The Wesley Brethren Church was officially organized Sept 25, 1864. In 1866, a single room wood frame church was built which was the first to be erected in Texas. Some have said it was the first in North America. The interior has elaborate and detailed hand painting added in 1889 and 1891. The last service in the original sanctuary was Dec. 16, 1963. The cemetery, located behind the church, contains graves of charter members. A new church was erected near by in 1963. The original church continues to serve the Czech community as a museum. Tour by appointment: Rev. Milton Maly, 6703 FM 2502, Brenham, TX 77833, Tel: 409-830-8762.

Located 4 miles east of US 77 on FM 1383, this community was named after the first settler Andrew Ammann who settled in the area in 1870. He immigrated to Texas in 1846 from Austria. A mixture of Czech and German immigrant farmers settled the town during the 1870s. By 1900, the town had a Catholic Church, two schools, three stores, two blacksmith shops, and two cotton gins. Today the only existing business is Tofel’s Place on the east side of town. It is rustic, with drinks, dominos, snacks, gas, and local conversation. There is a KJT Hall where the annual church picnic is held every June on Father’s Day. The cemetery next to the church contains many Czech inscriptions. The first Catholic Church built in 1890 was destroyed by a storm in 1909. The new church built in 1912 was destroyed by a fire on Oct 2, 1917. The existing St. John the Baptist Catholic Church was built in 1919. It is the largest on the "Painted Church Tour" and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

About 7 miles northeast of Schulenburg and 5 miles south of Ammannsville on FM 1383 is, the small Czech community referred to as the "Mother of Czechs in Texas." Dubina derives its name from the Czech word for Oak Grove. This was the first community established in Texas by a group of Moravian Catholics when they settled on 450 acres of land. The farms they purchased were 16 miles south of La Grange along the East Navidad River. This group was made up of the families of Valentine Haidusek, Valentine Holub, Joseph Kahlich, Frank Marak, Ignac Muzny, Joseph Peter, and Ignac Sramek. The Moravians who settled here were not the first Czechs in Texas, but those who came before them, all settled in existing communities. It was this "group of seven" who started their own town. In 1877, they built a church dedicated to SS. Cyril and Methodius. Tom Lee, a former slave, worked as a blacksmith for Joseph Peter, made the cross on the steeple. This church was destroyed by a storm in 1909. When the new church was complete in 1912, the original "Lee" cross was again installed atop the steeple. Dubina was a stop over for many Czechs coming to Texas. Today, Dubina has an old KJT Hall; several abandoned wooden buildings, a cemetery with Czech inscriptions, and a Catholic Church, which is on the "Painted Church Tour." State Historic Marker title: "Dubina"- on FM 1383.

The town is located on SH 159 and FM 955 and 1291. Before the 1850’s, Fayetteville was Anglo and German. In 1853, the first group of Czechs entered Fayette County, and Fayetteville received its first Czech resident Thomas Batla. By the 1870s, most Anglo settlers had been replaced by Czechs. In 1872, a Catholic church dedicated to St. John the Baptist was built. On December 25, 1872, the first Czech Catholic mass spoken in Czech was officiated by Rev. Joseph Chromcik. By the 1880s, the population was predominantly Czech and German. The town became known as the "Center of Czech Immigration to Texas". The central business district is around a public square on which sits a precinct courthouse with a four-faced town clock. The Fayetteville area museum is in the town square. For information call: 409-378-2231. State Historic Marker titles: "Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church" and "The Rev. Joseph Chromcik" located at the corner of Bell and Church St.

One of the oldest Czech settlements, which overlooks the Colorado River Valley. It is located on FM 2436, 6 miles south of La Grange off US 77. In the 1830s, Germans settled the Community called Bluff. The first Czech settlers arrived here in Nov 1856. The Czechs who first settled here and Dubina came to Texas on the same ship. They built a small log church in the area that they called Hostyn. The Czechs named the area Hostyn because it reminded them of their pilgrimage site in Moravia. The name was officially changed to Hostyn in 1925. The first Czech Catholic School in Texas was established in 1868. During that year, a large Catholic church was also built and dedicated to the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary. The Czech Catholic Union of Texas (KJT) was organized here March 24, 1889. In 1936, the Texas Centennial year, the six pioneer Moravian families, Joseph Janda, Alois Klimicek, Ben Klimicek, Val Kolibal, Frank Koza and Frank Marak were honored with a State plaque. Over the years, many shrines and memorials were built on the church grounds including a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes in France. The Grotto was built in 1925 to thank God for ending the great drought of 1924-1925. The cemetery, adjoining the church, is filled with Czech inscribed tombstones. During the Civil War, Joseph Lidiak and his son John (both from Moravia) fought on opposite sides. They are buried side by side in the cemetery and are honored with two Civil War cannons on the grounds. State Historic Marker titles: "Oldest Czech Settlement" - 4.5 miles south of La Grange on US Hwy. 77, "Czech Catholic Union of Texas", 5 miles south of La Grange on US Hwy. 77, then northwest 1 mile on FM 2436. Nearby on US 77 is a permanent monument to Augustin Haidusek, the first Czech Mayor in Texas.

The county seat of Fayette County since 1837 is located on US 77 & SH 71. The downtown area is laid out around a public square on which is located a county courthouse, built in 1891. The Czech immigrants started settling in Fayette County during the 1850’s. The SPJST was established at the La Grange Courthouse in 1896. The home office of the KJT is located at 214 East Colorado and contains a small library and archive room. TCHCC (Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center) walking trail is located at the intersection of US 77 & SH 71 overlooking the Colorado River Valley on 70 acres. Open weekdays 8-5, weekends by appointment. Tel: 409-968-9399. E-mail czech@CVTV.net or www.czechtexas.org. This is also the future location of an amphitheater, museum, and archives dedicated to the preservation of Czech heritage and culture. State Historic Marker title: "Birthplace of the SPJST" located at southwest corner, Courthouse Square.

Located on FM 1295 three miles east of Flatonia in the southern part of the county. Before the Czechs settled in this area, the town was known as Mulberry. The first Czech, Matthew Novak, settled in the area about 1855 and other immigrants followed. In 1858, the Czech settlers changed the name of the settlement to Praha in honor of Prague, the capital of their homeland. A small chapel was built in 1865 for their church services. As the population increased, a new frame church was built in 1868 and dedicated to Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The foundation for the present large stone St. Mary’s Church was laid in 1891 and was completed in 1895. Praha is known for its two annual church events. "Prazka Pout", on August 15, and a "Veterans Day Ceremony", held the Sunday before Veterans Day. The Church is on the "Painted Church Tour" and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The community is located about two miles southeast of Fayetteville on Kramer Rd. This was the site of the first Czech Protestant worship service held in Texas in 1855. A small Catholic church, made of logs, was erected in 1859, and dedicated to St. Joseph. About 1861 the church was moved to Live Oak Hill. All that remains is the cemetery. In 1874, a Czech Moravian Brethren church was built. It is now the Fayetteville Brethren Church. Because it was close to Fayetteville, Ross Prairie never developed as a business center. State Historic Marker titles: "Brethren Church" at junction of Ross Prairie & Kramer Rd.; "The Rev. Jindrich Juren": at junction of Ross Prairie and Kramer Rd.

Located at the intersection of IH-10. US 77 and FM 1579. Czech and Germans settled in the area during the mid-nineteenth century. Schulenberg was founded in 1873 when the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railroad built through the site on land donated by Louis Schulenberg. The Chamber of Commerce at 101-B Kessler Ave. has information and maps of the historic parts of town and the "Painted Churches Tour’ of Fayette County. The Schulenberg Historic Museum contains exhibits depicting life in the early days of this Czech-German community. Museum is at 631 North Main St. and is open on Sundays 1-4 P.M. State Historic Marker title: "Schulenberg" located at Chamber of Commerce office.

Claims to be the home of the smallest Catholic Church in the world. The original St. Martin’s Church built in 1886 was full size funded by Czech and German immigrants. The small cemetery adjacent to the church contains the graves of the original founding families. The church remained active into the twentieth century and today is a historical testimonial to the community’s founders. Most of the religious articles in the church come from Czechoslovakia. St. Martin’s Church is located on the north side of SH 237 and may be reached from La Grange by SH 159 (northeastward) and then SH 237.

Nine miles south of Schulenburg and 12 miles north of Hallettsville on FM 957 is the community of Moravia. Founded by Jakub Hollub and J. D. Jalufka in 1881 and named in honor of the resident’s homeland in Austria-Hungary. In 1889, Ignac Jalufka established the Moravia General Store and Tavern, which was recognized, with a State Historical Marker in 1998. The store and adjacent buildings are packed with memorabilia of the past including photographs. The tavern is open "4 to whenever" every day except Tuesday with Saturday dances scheduled at least once a month. In the community is the Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church built in 1912, which is on the Registry of Historic Places. The cemetery is near the church. State Historic Marker title: "Site of Moravia School"- in town.

Located at the intersection of SH 95 and FM 532. It is one of the oldest communities in Lavaca County. Many Czech and German immigrants established family farms in the mid 1800s. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church was built around 1890. A parish school built in 1894 operated until 1965. Located 8 miles east of Moulton can be found the site of the old Komensky Czech School built in 1895. The town’s quaint storefronts are reminiscent of the late 1800s, complete with porches and benches. Moulton Public Library and Museum has extensive collections of historic photographs and documents, which perpetuate the strong Czech-German heritage of the city. Open Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m. State Historic Marker titles: "St. Joseph’s Catholic Church", at the corner of Church and Pecan Streets; "Site of Komensky School", east 7.5 miles and then 0.25 north on FM 1295.

Located at the intersection of US 90A and SH 95. The town was originally called New Half Moon but changed to Shiner in 1888. Czech and German immigrants were induced to settle in the area in the 1870s by Henry B. Shiner through his sale of cheap farmland. The prairie around Shiner was fertile and ideal for growing cotton. The Shiner Brethren Church was organized November 8, 1881. A cemetery is located adjacent to the Church. SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church was built in 1891. St. Ludmila’s Academy Catholic School was opened in 1897. The Spoetzl Brewery, which still operates today, was originally built in the early 1900s by the Shiner Brewing Association, a stock company of local men. State Historic Marker titles: "Shiner" located at City Hall; "SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church" located 424 St. Ludmila Street; "St. Ludmila’s Academy" located 424 St. Ludmila Street.

Located at the junction of SH 21 & SH 36. Founded in 1840 by Lewis L. Chiles, a veteran of the battle of San Jacinto. Since 1846, it has been the county seat of Burleson County. Josef Masik, the first Czech teacher in Texas is buried east of Caldwell. It is home of the Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum currently located at 212 W. Buck St. but will be moving to the remodeled Polcasek House eventually. Museum contains local and pioneer history and is open Friday 2-4 p.m. Donations are accepted. Tel.: 409-567-3271. New Tabor and Frenstat are Czech communities that are located nearby. Caldwell is the home of the annual Kolache Festival held the second Saturday of September. The 71^st State Legislature christened the town as the "Kolache Capital of Texas". State Historic Marker titles: "Masik, Josef" located on the south side of RR on trail west of CR 208; "New Tabor Brethren Church" located on CR 225 off FM 166 east of Caldwell.

The community originated in 1884 as a Czech farming settlement located at the intersection of FM 60 and 2155. It was first called Sebesta, or Sebesta’s Corner, after the family who were among the first settlers. A co-op store and a Czechoslovak Benevolent Society hall were established by the late 1880s. A school was built in 1888, and lessons for many years were taught in Czech. In 1910, a SPJST lodge hall was built. A Czech Moravian Brethren Church was built in 1913. In 1914, a new school, called Moravia School was built. Snook today is a small thriving community. State Historic Marker title: "Snook" on FM 2155 at intersection with Spur 2155.

Located on FM 2269, 6 miles northwest of Cameron. The early settlers called the community "Big Elm Neighborhood". In the 1870s, Joseph Russek one of the first Czech immigrants purchased a large tract of land in the community and resold the land in plots to many Czech families. Some of the first families who purchased lands in the early 1880’s were Jiri, Stephan, and Thomas Marak, sons of Frank Marak who moved from Fayette County. In 1904, the first Catholic Church was built and in 1948, the original structure was converted to a Parish Hall when a new church was built. The present community consists of a Catholic Church, community hall, small rectory, and cemetery. The Marak annual picnic held on the last Sunday of August is still held on the Church grounds. State Historic Marker title: " SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church" located at the church.

Located 12 miles north of Taylor on SH 95. The town was established in 1882 when the MKT Railroad branches from San Antonio and Houston intersected at the site. Because the town was in the middle of the fertile black land area, the railroad made it an important cotton marketing and shipping point. Czechs were attracted here by the cheap, fertile land in the late 1800’s. A Czech Protestant church was organized in 1880. The Catholic Church dedicated to SS Cyril & Methodius was built in 1891 and the school in 1899. A Brethren congregation was established in 1892. By the start of the twentieth century, Czech culture, both Catholic and Protestant, became very influential in the community. A Brethren teacher - training summer school, "Husova Skola" (Hus School) was established here in 1914. It was moved to Temple in 1924. Nasinec, a Czech language weekly newspaper had its start in 1913 and is one of two newspapers in Texas that is still published entirely in Czech. State Historic Markers titles "Granger Brethren Church" located at 326 W Broadway and "Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church" located at the corner of N. Brazos and W. Davilla St.

Located at junction of IH-35 and SH 53. The home office of SPJST is located here at 520 Main. In its basement are the library, archives, and museum dedicated to preserving the Czech culture. Open to the public Mon – Fri 8-12 a.m., and 1-5 p.m. Tel: 25773-1575. Home office of RVOS is located at 2301 South 37^th St. at Scott Blvd. All RVOS transactions including conventions were conducted in Czech until the 1850s. The Czechs came to Bell County in 1876. Ocker was the oldest settlement followed by Cyclone and Seaton. They are located east of Temple on SH 53, FM 320, and FM 485. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, cemetery, and SPJST Lodge no. 24 hall are located at Cyclone. At Seaton are the Seaton Brethren Church, the National Cemetery, and SEFCIK Hall. State Historic Marker titles: "Farmers Mutual Protection Association of Texas (RVOS)" located ½ mile north on SH 320 after junction with SH 53; "Ocker Brethren Church" located 9 miles east of Temple on SH 53.

Located 16 miles north of Waco on IH-35. Anglo-American settlers started the community in the decade from 1850 to 1860. After the civil war, Czech and German settlers came looking for land and new homes. One of the first Czechs was Vaclav Mashek in 1875. Construction of the MKT Railroad through West in 1881 was responsible for the early growth. By 1900, the railroad and available University lands began to bring large numbers of Czech and German immigrants to West. The Moravian Brethren Church was established in 1892. A Catholic Church dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin was built in 1892. The Czechs started to become the dominant cultural and economic force by the end of WWI. Nemecek Brothers Meat Market, established in 1896, still family operated, is known throughout the state for its Czech sausages and meat. West is popular for restaurants and bakeries that specialize in Czech foods. There are many specialty shops featuring Czech merchandise. SPJST lodges #6 and #50 along with Sokol-West are here. The statewide performing "Czech Folk Dancers" call West home. Hospodar (Farmer) the unique Czech newspaper founded in 1890 is now published monthly by the Vaculik family. Since 1976 Westfest held annually over Labor Day weekend, celebrates the rich heritage Czechs brought to Texas. The 75^th State Legislature officially proclaimed West as "The Czech Heritage Capitol of Texas". West Chamber of Commerce for information: 254-826-33188. State Historic Marker titles: "West" located on Reagan St. next to Gazebo; "St. Mary’s Cemetery", Cemetery Rd.; "St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption" on S. Harrison St.

The town is located at the intersection of IH-45 & SH 34, US 75, and US 287. Established in 1871 when the railroad reached the town. The first Czech from Europe arrived here in 1873. SOKOL organization started here in 1909. The Ennis Sokol Activity Center is located 1 ½ miles east of I-45 at 2622 E. SH 34. The center houses the Ennis Sokol and Southern District Sokol museum and library with Czech and Sokol artifacts and books. It is open on special occasions and on call. There is no charge but donations are accepted. To visit call Vlasta Laznovsky, 972-875-3076 or e-mail 105444.710@compuserve.com. The KJT, Knights of Columbus and SPJST have halls here. Ennis has many Czech owned businesses selling Czech merchandise. The Ennis Market and Sausage Factory sells traditional Czech meats. It is the home of the National Polka Festival held Memorial Day weekend and the Kolache Christmas held in December. Contact the Ennis Convention Visitors Bureau for information: http://www.visitennis.org/

The first Czechs arrived here around 1900. Most were craftsmen employed in the local factories. The American Czech Culture Society was organized in 1928 to sponsor Czech Day in October at the State Fair of Texas. This organization continues today to sponsor Heritage Day. The Czech Club of Dallas was incorporated in 1962, composed of members of KJT #111 and KJZT #108. It is located at 4930 Military Parkway. The Historical Society maintains a museum and library at the Club. The facility is open on special occasions and for dances twice a month. For additional info. contact: Norbert Mikulec 214-368-6817. The Sokol Athletic Center is located at 7448 Greenville. SPJST lodges #84 & #130 are in Dallas.

The County seat located on US 59 southwest of Houston. The George Memorial Library here houses the genealogical and local history department, which include the Texas Czech Heritage Society’s entire library collection. Persons looking for their roots in Bohemia, Moravia or Slovakia will find these resources beneficial. The George Memorial Library is located 1001 Golfview Dr. at intersection of FM 762. Tel: 281-342-4455 ext. 308. Web page: www.fortbend.lib.tx.us/lib.html. In the late 19^th and early 20^th century, Czechs started to settle in the Fort Bend communities of Beasley, Fairchilds, Needville, and Rosenberg. Through hard work, they prospered, built churches, and organized their fraternal societies. Many Czechs still call these communities home.

The Czech land promoter Stanley L. Kostoryz attracted the Czechs to the area in the early 1900s. In 1904, he purchased 7,800 acres in Nueces County, which he subdivided into farms and named it "Bohemian Colony Lands". The Czech influence in the area caused the local Catholic Church to have its name changed to Sts. Cyril and Methodius in 1923. The Church is located at 3210 South Padre Island Expressway (SH 358) at Kostoryz Rd. The Moravian Club was founded in August 1923 and the first "Moravan" (Moravian) hall was built about the same time. The Moravian and Sokol halls are located in the 5600 block of Kostoryz Rd. The Jalufka House, at Heritage Park, is the restored turn-of-the-century home of James Jalufka, a member of a prominent south Texas Czech family. This restoration project was taken on by the Czech Heritage Society of South Texas. The house includes offices of the Society, a heritage library, and museum. For info. Tele: Moravian Hall, Julius Zdansky 361-855-4840; Jalufka House: Al Prochazka 351-387-4391.

Located on the west side of the San Bernard River at the intersection of the SH 60 and US 90A. The first Czechs in the area came from Fayette & Lavaca Counties in the 1890s. Two of its notable features are the Holy Cross Catholic Church and Riverside KJT Hall. The Catholic Church, located in the middle of town, was built in 1924 to replace the original wooden church constructed in 1906. The Spanish architectural style church has stained glassed windows crafted by Moravian craftsmen in Brno, Czechoslovakia. The church is generally open on weekends. The KJT hall is an octagonal shaped building located on the east side of the river. The annual Czech Kolache - Klobase Festival is hosted in the hall. State Historic Marker title: "Holy Cross Catholic Church" located on the church grounds.

Named after the Silar family who settled in the area in the early 1900s. The community contains the old Shiller (Anglicized spelling of Silar) family cemetery. Czech Americans settled through out the rich farming communities southeast of Victoria. Shillerville can be reached from Victoria on hwy. 59 and taking the Telferner exit onto FM 1686 and then travel south 11 ¼ miles. State Historic Marker title: "Shillerville Cemetery" at the cemetery.

The capital of Texas is located in the central part of the state on IH-35. The University of Texas is located in the heart of the city. Thanks to the efforts of the Czech Educational Foundation of Texas (CEFT), a permanent Chair of Czech Studies has been established at the university. This ensures that any student who wishes can study the Czech language, literature, culture, and history. The University of Texas library system houses an ever-expanding collection of materials on Czech language and literature. The Catholic Archives of Texas are located in the basement of the Diocese of Austin Chancery Bldg. on 16^th and Congress streets. The archives contain sacramental and school records of Texas churches on microfilm dating to the late 1800s. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visitor’s parking from 16^th St. behind the Chancery Bldg. Call archivist at 512-476-4888.

Located on IH-35/37/10). The metro area is a unique blend of Anglo, Hispanic and central European cultures including German, Polish, and Czech. It is the home of the Alamo and the Spanish Missions that played a major role in the history of the state. The Institute of Texan Cultures is located on the Hemisphere grounds in downtown. The Institute provides a display of 17 cultural and ethnic groups that comprise the state of Texas. You can touch the buffalo, hide Tipi in the Indian area, and find a photo of your ancestor in the Czech area. The Texas Folk life Festival is held yearly in June. Over 30 cultural groups share their music, crafts, food, and dance with visitors.