As you explore Texas, you’ll find breathtaking, gorgeous landmarks and scenery. Many of these sites are not only captivating and photo-worthy, but they tell a fascinating story.

While you can explore many of these unique, picturesque landmarks throughout the state, today, we are highlighting one that dates back to the 1800s and brings a bit of history to life — Saint Dominic’s Catholic Church and cemetery in D’Hanis, Texas.

In 1847, Henri Castro settled D’Hanis. Twenty-nine families from Alsace, France settled in the area and helped it thrive. Saint Dominic’s Catholic Church and cemetery were part of this original settlement.
mlhradio/flickr
The town began as a small settlement and eventually grew to include many buildings such as a schoolhouse and a post office. Only a few hundred individuals lived in the settlement.
mlhradio/flickr
Saint Dominic’s Catholic Church was built in the late 1860s using timber, sandstone, and limestone. The cemetery was established several decades later in the 1890s.
Katie Labor/flickr

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Today, all you will find of this once-booming settlement is a small part of Saint Dominic’s Catholic Church and the cemetery.
Katie Labor/flickr
A few walls are left standing of this church, giving you a small glimpse into the architecture, life, and design of this time.
As you walk around the old church and cemetery, you will notice large arches where windows and doors were once placed.
mlhradio/flickr
Unfortunately, a fire destroyed much of the church's interior in the early 1910s. A new building was erected that was closer to town in 1914, leaving Saint Dominic’s Catholic Church abandoned.
mlhradio/flickr

Today, the Saint Dominic Catholic Church and cemetery are part of the D’Hanis Historic District. Have you ever visited these unique ruins in D’Hanis, Texas? If so, we’d love to learn more about your experience!

To learn more about the many unbelievable ruins throughout the Lone Star State, read These 9 Unbelievable Ruins in Texas Will Transport You To The Past.

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