Biry House

Jul 1

The architecture of Castroville, TX is totally unique in the United States. In the mid-1840s, Alsatian immigrants, guided by empressario Henri Castro, began to settle in the area. The pioneers built distinctive houses in the style of the “old country,” using limestone, timber and plaster. Several of Castroville’s original Alsatian homes still remain today. The 1847 Jean Jacques Biry house is an excellent example. The house is unique in that it has not been updated or remodeled. It has its original roof shingles (the tin roof was added in the 1880s) and the original dog-trot log barn adjoining the house. This building is important to the community and state as it is one of the few surviving original Alsatian immigrant homes. Located within the boundaries of the City of Castroville Historic District and National Register Historic District, the Biry House is endangered due to neglect.

UPDATE: The Biry house has been restored and is maintained by the Castro Colonies Heritage Association. The house restoration was the first phase in the creation of the Castro Colonies Living History Center.