Westphalia, Texas, National Register of Historic Places. (original) (raw)

On the National Register of Historic Places as
the Westphalia Rural Historic District

31� 7' 8" N, 97� 6' 54" W (31.118889, -97.115)
Hwy 320
About 18 miles SW of Marlin the county seat
6 miles SW of Lott
20 miles NE of Temple via Hwy 53
33 miles S of Waco via Hwy 77
Population: 186 (2010, 2000) 324 est. (1990)

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Church of Visitation in Westphalia
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, August 2005

History in Pecan Shell

Westphalia has ties with Frelsburg in Colorado County. Some of the Germans who immigrated to Frelsburg and New Ulm (in neighboring Austin County) split off and went west. Some founded Oldenburg (Fayette County) and others went Northwest to Falls County where they founded Westphalia.

This move involved thirteen families from Frelsburgand occurred in the year 1878. By 1895 they had completed the massive Church of Visitation on 100 acres of land.

A school was added which is still in use.

The Old Store, somewhat swaybacked with age, still stands, unvarnished, unpainted, and open. Both the store and the post office were opened in 1887. Since 1906 the mail has come through Lott .

Westphalia Waltz by Clay Coppedge

Even in Texas, more people probably know more about the song 'Westphalia Waltz' than they know about the town of Westphalia, the song's namesake....

Other than the song, the Falls County community of Westphalia is best known for its annual homecoming and picnic. About 5,000 people show up every second Sunday in October for the fried chicken and sausage meals. Many stay into the evening to enjoy the down home ambience of a town the German immigrants named in honor of Westphalia Province in Germany.

The town's church, the Church of the Visitation, is notable as the oldest wooden church in the state.

The highway that leads to Westphalia, Highway 320, is notable as the shortest state highway in Texas.... more

	Westphalia Geometry TE photos

	The Old Store, Westphalia TE photo

	Mailbox at The Old Store in Westphalia TE Photo, 2001

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