Winkelmann is a heritage tourist ghost town in Washington County, Texas, United States.
Winkelmann | |
|---|---|
 Winkelmann in 2009 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Washington |
| Named for | Ray Winkelmann |
History
editLocal 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
edit- ^ a b Association, Texas State Historical. "Winkelmann, TX". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ a b CharlieCharlie (2022-08-12). "A Weird Texas Ghost Town That Never Technically Got Its Start". Mix 94.1. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ Taylor, Tamme TaylorTamme (2022-08-30). "A Ghost Town in Reverse? Welcome to Winkelmann, Texas". US105. Retrieved 2024-08-09.