Castro County

Henri Castro came from a family of Portuguese Jews who had fled to southwestern France after the Spanish Inquisition began. At nineteen he helped welcome Napoleon to Landes, and he later rode in the emperor's guard of honor. He became an American citizen in 1827, then joined the Paris banking house of Lafitte and Company, where his work on a loan for the Republic of Texas led Sam Houston to name him consul general. Between 1843 and 1847 he chartered twenty-seven ships that carried 485 families and 457 single men to his colony.

What the plaque says

Castro County Formed from Young and Bexar Territories, created August 21, 1876, organized December 8, 1891. Named in honor of Henri Castro 1786-1861. A distinguished pioneer and colonizer of Texas. Founder of the towns of Castroville, Quihi, Vandenburg and D'Hanis in Medina County. Dimmitt, The County Seat.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Deaf Smith County Historical Museum — 20 mi
  Hereford's county museum in an early Catholic school: the Windmill City's pioneers, a half-dugout and caboose outside, and work by the Italian prisoners held south of town in the war.

More markers nearby

• Shoot-out on Jones Street — 1.1 mi
• Castro County Courthouses — 1.2 mi
• Summerfield-Dameron Corner — 5.0 mi
• Holy Family Catholic Church — 11 mi