Winkelmann, Texas

Winkelmann
Ghost town
Winkelmann in 2009
Winkelmann in 2009
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountyWashington
Named forRay Winkelmann

Winkelmann is a heritage tourist ghost town in Washington County, Texas, United States.

History

Local developer and antiques dealer Ray Winkelmann purchased and collected about 150 historical buildings. In 1983, he purchased a five-acre plot outside of Brenham, on U.S. Route 290, and moved 19 buildings to the property. The restored structures included schoolhouses, plantation houses, a saloon, and a general store. Tourists arrived and Winkelmann operated the saloon, the general store and a restaurant, and leased other buildings to local businesses. The town became a group tour destination, with upwards of 90 people working there at its peak.[1][2][3]

In 1986, during an economic downturn, the town was lost to the Washington County State Bank. It was auctioned in 1989, went through several ownerships, and was abandoned by 1994.[1] In 2022, one building and a restaurant sign were left standing.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b Association, Texas State Historical. "Winkelmann, TX". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  2. ^ a b CharlieCharlie (August 12, 2022). "A Weird Texas Ghost Town That Never Technically Got Its Start". Mix 94.1. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  3. ^ Taylor, Tamme (August 30, 2022). "A Ghost Town in Reverse? Welcome to Winkelmann, Texas". US105. Retrieved August 9, 2024.