Engle Texas. (original) (raw)

The simple and elegant Engle Depot
Photo Courtesy the George Koudelka Collection

History in a Pecan Shell

The area was settled in the 1850s by Czech immigrants. Nearby Praha became the cultural center of the area - especialy after the church was constructed in the 1880s. Engle residents worshipped in Praha and the Praha cemetery made a separate one for Engle unnecessary.

J. E. Engle, an engineer for the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway was the namesake of the community after a railroad stop was established in the late 1870s.

A post office was established at Engle in 1888 and closed in the 1930s. By 1900 Engle had a blacksmith, a tinsmith, a lumbersmith, and three saloonsmiths. Historic photos reveal that a photography studio also operated in Engle.

The 1950 census showed Engle had a population of 250. Today much of "downtown" Engle is occupied by a machine shop utilizing many of the town buildings. The population retains strong community ties with nearby Praha.

Another historic photo of the Engle Depot
Photo Courtesy the George Koudelka Collection
More Texas Depots

Herzik's Store and Post Office, 1950s photo
Courtesy Fayette County Historical Commission, submitted by Carolyn Heinsohn

SPJST Lodge 21 as it appeared in January 2002
TE Photo, 2002
More Texas Lodges

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