Features

HITCH A RIDE THROUGH CAMP VERDE

By Sandra Lane

Camp Verde General Store, Post Office, and restaurant is located just 15 miles south of Kerrville on Highway 173. For more than 150 years, Camp Verde General Store has been in existence on the banks of Verde Creek. In 1855, U.S. Secretary of War Jefferson Davis ordered the U.S. Army to begin a trial experiment with camels. The Camp became headquarters for the U.S. Camel Corps situated on the road between San Antonio and El Paso. The purpose was to use dromedaries as pack animals in the harsh terrain of the southwestern U.S.

MODERN OFFERINGS The present-day Camp Verde General Store, Post Office, and restaurant is a far cry from what existed there in times past. Today’s buildings across the road from Verde Creek are constructed of the white stone so prevalent in the Hill Country. It’s very 21st Century, but still retains a hint of the past.

The Camp Verde Restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day for breakfast and lunch. The gift shop and Post Office are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contributed photos In 1865, when Union troops recaptured Camp Verde, they found about 66 camels. Re-enactments in the modernday Camp Verde often feature the rugged creatures.

A TOWN WITH A UNIQUE MILITARY HISTORY

Camp Verde’s camels arrived in 1856 and 1857, and were used with some success in extended trips in the Southwest. However, the camels did not get along with the Army’s horses and mules, which would bolt out of fear when they smelled a camel. The soldiers didn’t like the camels, either, because they were difficult to handle and smelled bad.

The Camp Verde General Store opened in 1857 and served the soldiers of the camp. It was usually only open for a few days immediately following payday. The post office opened in 1887, long after the war.

In February of 1861, the camp was captured by Confederate forces. They used the camels and a few Egyptian handlers to haul cotton to Mexico to trade to the British for much needed supplies.

When Union troops recaptured Camp Verde in 1865, they found about 66 camels. After the fort was deactivated in 1869, the experiment died with it. Thereafter, a company of Texas Rangers used the remains of the fort as a campground.

The site of the original Camp Verde is located a few miles down the road from the current Camp Verde General Store, Post Office, and restaurant.

In nearby Bandera, you’ll find St. Stanislaus Catholic church, the second oldest Polish church in the U.S. The stunning artwork echoes Gothic designs from 19th century Europe.

ALTARS & ARTISTS

After visiting Camp Verde, travel another 10 miles on 173 to the town of Bandera to find the Frontier Museum and one of the storied Painted Churches of Texas.

St. Stanislaus Catholic church, the second oldest Polish church in the U.S., was established by Polish immigrants in 1855.

In an effort to make their new churches feel more like the ancient Gothic structures of their homelands, early settlers from Poland, Czechoslovakia, and other European countries painted the walls,

altars, and arches of their wooden sanctuaries in colorful patterns and tromp l’oeil images. This is an art technique that uses realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects exist in three dimensions. These buildings came to be known

While you’re in Bandera, be sure to stop at the Frontier Times Museum, 13th Street at Pecan Street. This is a small, quaint museum stuffed with all kinds of artifacts from earlier times. It is also said to be one of the most interesting museums in the state since it began so early, in the 1920s, when historical items were abundant. There are more than 30,000 items on display.

It is even rumored that there is a pillow on display stuffed with camel hair obtained from the camels at Camp Verde back in the 1800s.

There are some exciting events coming up at the Museum. On Saturday, March 7, the Museum is having its annual Arts & Crafts Festival. On Friday, March 13, the Museum will host its annual Spring Cleaning Market. This will offer for sale items such as antiques, collectives, and attic treasures, among other items.

On the fourth Sunday afternoon of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. there is a Jamboree open to all musicians, particularly those who sing and play western and old time music. Listeners are invited, also. There is no admission fee for this event. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children 6-17, and children under 6 are admitted free.

as the Painted Churches of Texas. There are approximately 20 in Central Texas.

The paintings in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church are a prime example of this difficult technique. The church is located at 602 7th St. During Lent, observed from Wednesday, Feb. 26 through Thursday, April 9, masses will be held every day except Monday. The church will be open for worshippers and also visitors to view the paintings in the sanctuary. On each Friday during Lent at 5 p.m., a fish fry will be held and visitors are invited.

Shops full of historic and handmade goodies abound in both Bandera and the Camp Verde area. Make sure to pick up a souvenir before you return home!