D’Hanis, Texas – French Colony of the Republic
Nestled within the rolling landscapes of central Medina County, Texas, lies the unassuming, unincorporated community of D’Hanis. Despite its modest size, D’Hanis possesses a rich and captivating history, a testament to the diverse tapestry of cultures that shaped the Lone Star State. Its origins are deeply rooted in the ambitious colonization efforts of Henri Castro, a French empresario who envisioned a thriving European presence in the Republic of Texas. Today, D’Hanis stands as a living reminder of this unique heritage, a place where the echoes of French settlers resonate alongside the enduring spirit of Texas.
The story of D’Hanis, Texas, begins with Henri Castro, a man of vision and determination. Born in France, Castro immigrated to the United States in 1827, embracing his new home by becoming a naturalized citizen. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to Texas, where in 1842, he secured contracts from the Republic to establish 600 families across two expansive land grants. This ambitious undertaking transformed Castro into an empresario, a pivotal figure in the settlement of Texas.
Between 1843 and 1847, Castro orchestrated the passage of 27 ships from France to Texas, transporting 485 families and 457 single men across the Atlantic. The Mexican-American War posed significant challenges to his efforts, yet Castro persevered, driven by his commitment to establishing a European foothold in the burgeoning republic. His first settlement, Castroville, was founded in September 1844. This was followed by Quihi in 1845, Vandenburg in 1846, and finally, D’Hanis, Texas, in 1847, marking the culmination of his ambitious colonization project.
In the spring of 1847, twenty-nine families hailing from the Alsace region of France arrived in the area, establishing their homes along the vital San Antonio Road-Rio Grande Road. The village was christened D’Hanis in honor of William D’Hanis, a key manager within Castro’s colonization company. Each colonist received a town lot, and twenty-acre farms were meticulously surveyed and deeded to them, providing a foundation for their new lives. Initially, building materials were scarce, forcing the settlers to construct rudimentary shelters from mesquite pickets and thatch. However, these humble dwellings were gradually replaced by more substantial European-style rock homes, reflecting the settlers’ determination to create a lasting community.
A modest structure was erected in the heart of the village, serving as a Catholic Church where services were conducted by priests from nearby Castroville. This church became a focal point for the community, providing spiritual guidance and a sense of unity. The establishment of Fort Lincoln by the U.S. Army in 1849, located approximately 2 ½ miles northwest of D’Hanis, Texas, brought new opportunities and a measure of security to the settlers. The fort provided employment for some residents and offered protection against Indian raids, fostering a sense of stability in the region.
South of Fort Lincoln, a small town known as Seco Settlement emerged. Drawn by the promise of greater security, a number of D’Hanis residents relocated to Seco Settlement. This burgeoning community quickly established its own infrastructure, including a school, homes, and various small businesses, contributing to the overall growth of the area.
By 1850, D’Hanis consisted of approximately 20 homes and boasted its own schoolteacher, indicating a growing commitment to education and community development. Two years later, the establishment of a post office further solidified D’Hanis’s importance as a regional hub, transforming it into a stage stop along the San Antonio-Rio Grande Road. In 1869, the settlers erected St. Dominic’s Church, a testament to their unwavering faith. During the early 1870s, two nuns from the Sisters of Divine Providence arrived in D’Hanis, dedicating themselves to teaching at the local school.
By 1881, D’Hanis, Texas had evolved into a thriving community, boasting two stores, a dance hall, the imposing Catholic Church, and mineral well baths believed to possess medicinal properties. This period marked a time of prosperity and growth for the town. However, the arrival of the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railroad in the same year brought about a significant shift in the town’s landscape. The railroad bypassed D’Hanis, constructing a depot 1 ½ miles to the west.
Like many other settlements across the American West, the vast majority of D’Hanis residents made the decision to relocate closer to the railroad depot, seeking the economic opportunities and connectivity that it offered. The new settlement became known locally as "New D’Hanis," while the original site was referred to as "Old D’Hanis." Within a few years, little remained of the old town, save for its cemetery and the imposing Catholic Church, silent witnesses to a bygone era. New D’Hanis was situated just south of Seco Settlement, which had formed around Fort Lincoln in the early 1850s.
Fort Lincoln itself had been abandoned in 1852, as the frontier line pushed further westward. However, the buildings remained intact for some time, serving as headquarters for the Texas Rangers. Eventually, the barracks were dismantled and repurposed as residences in Seco Settlement, while the hospital building was converted into a private home.
In 1883, the D’Hanis Brick and Tile Company was established, specializing in the production of handmade natural terra cotta. Remarkably, the company continues to operate in D’Hanis, Texas to this day, employing traditional methods to craft bricks and tiles from locally sourced clay. These bricks have found their way to construction projects around the world and are prominently featured in numerous buildings throughout D’Hanis, from businesses and homes to sheds and other structures.
By the following decade, D’Hanis boasted a diverse range of businesses, including four general stores, a saloon, a flour and grist mill, and two hotels. Among these was the wood-frame J.M. Koch Hotel, built in 1898. By 1900, the population of D’Hanis had reached 266, reflecting its continued growth and appeal as a place to call home.
In 1906, the J.M. Koch Hotel, which primarily served railroad travelers, underwent a significant transformation, being rebuilt with locally produced brick. This iconic hotel continues to operate today as a charming bed and breakfast inn, offering visitors a glimpse into the town’s rich past. In 1908, St. Anthony’s School was constructed, further enhancing the town’s educational infrastructure. The same year, the D’Hanis News began publication, providing the community with local news and information. The newspaper was later renamed the D’Hanis Star and continued to serve the town until 1923.
In 1910, a second brick factory, Seco Pressed Brick, was established, adding to the town’s industrial base. The D’Hanis Independent School District was also formed, solidifying the community’s commitment to education. St. Dominic’s Church in old D’Hanis was abandoned in 1914, following the construction of Holy Cross Church in new D’Hanis. The ruins of the old church still stand near the old Catholic Cemetery, serving as a poignant reminder of the town’s origins. Holy Cross Church, completed in 1914, was tragically damaged by fire in 1963 but was rebuilt the following year and continues to serve its congregation today. In 1916, D’Hanis’s first bank opened its doors, providing essential financial services to the community. In 1924, a second Catholic Church, Our Lady Queen of Peace, was built to serve the town’s Mexican-American population.
By 1930, the population of D’Hanis, Texas was estimated at 270. Over the years, the town has weathered several floods, the most recent occurring in 2007. The Holy Cross Church was badly damaged by fire in 1963 but was restored the following year.
D’Hanis installed waterworks in 1955, street lights in 1957, and a sewer system in 1973, demonstrating a commitment to modernizing the town’s infrastructure. The Seco School remained active until the 1940s, and Seco Settlement was considered a separate town for many years. Today, however, it is part of D’Hanis. The Seco Brick Plant was eventually acquired and merged with the D’Hanis Brick and Tile Company, consolidating the town’s brick-making industry.
Today, the population of this small town is about 550 people. It continues to boast several businesses, including a post office, the D’Hanis State Bank, in its original location since 1916; Bill and Rosa’s Steakhouse and Saloon, situated in an old hardware store; and the Country Mart, located in the 1908 Louis Carle building. This historic building originally served as a general mercantile and grocery store, much as it does today. The second story has served a variety of purposes over the years, including housing the first business office of the D’Hanis Brickyard, the telephone company, The D’Hanis Star newspaper, and the D’Hanis Land Company. Today, it houses the Lodge, a versatile space available for hunters, family reunions, parties, and company retreats. In addition to a large hall, the Lodge also features a spacious living room, four bedrooms, two baths, and a fully equipped kitchen.
The historic Koch’s Hotel has been fully modernized and renovated and now serves as a Bed and Breakfast. Filled with antiques, it features five large guest rooms, each with a private bath.
D’Hanis, Texas is located on U.S. Route 90, eight miles west of Hondo, Texas. The original site of D’Hanis is located one mile to the east on the south side of U.S. Highway 90. The site of old Fort Lincoln is about one mile north of D’Hanis.