Ammannsville, Texas Ghost Town with a Painted Church. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

Named after the town's first settler, Andrew Ammann, Ammannsville was settled by German and Czech immigrants in the 1870s.

In 1876 the first business opened, and by 1879 the town had a post office which operated until 1906.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and a school opened in 1890. Destroyed by the hurricane of 1909, the church was rebuilt. It burned shortly thereafter and had to be rebuilt a second time.

Although 800 people once lived in the immediate area, only a fraction of them actually lived in the town proper.

Today the community consists of the KJT Hall, the church, an old cotton gin and a few residences.

Ammannsville Today - photo gallery
Ammannsville Vintage Photos

Ammannsville road sign
TE Photo, 9-6-04
More Texas Signs

"The tombstone (far left) of my great-grandparents, Peregrin & Filomena Fiser, who donated part of the land for the church and school in 1889, as well as the altar for the first church."
- Carolyn Heinsohn, November 2013 photo

Ammannsville Cemetery
TE Photo

Ammannsville Cemetery
TE Photo

The Osina farm south of the cemetery
Photo courtesy Carolyn Heinsohn, November 2013

"The Osina farm south of the cemetery that was once owned by my great-great aunt and uncle, Josef and Magdalena Vacek, ancestors of the Osinas. The Vaceks also donated land carved out of their farm for the cemetery and church."
- Carolyn Heinsohn, November 2013 photo

Adolph Kristek's Garage in Ammannsville, circa 1916 when it was built; multiple owners operated it until 1956.
The Kevin Holubb Photograph Collection; submitted by Carolyn Heinsohn

Ammannsville, Texas Forum

Subject: Ammannsville vs Ammansville
Regarding your article on Ammannsville, TX, I would like to point out that... the correct spelling is Ammannsville (two n's). Thanks! The founder was my great-great grandfather. - Sincerely, Mary Ann Ammann Richey, September 03, 2004

Texas Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history and recent or vintage/historic photos, please contact us.