Monument Hill: A piece of Texas brewing history | Dallas Morning News

8/7/16, 1:19 PM

Missing Plu

104

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Home

News

Business

ePaper

Sports

Entertainment

Subscribe

Sign In

Arts & Life

Obits & Wine

Marketplace
DMNstore
ArtsOpinion
Books Food
Home & Garden
Style
Search

Texas Travel

Monument Hill: A piece of Texas

brewing history
Facebook

Twitter

Email

Comments

Print

By CHRISTY ROBINSON
Sta Writer
Published: 30 May 2015 05:33 PM
Updated: 02 June 2015 01:21 PM

LA GRANGE In 1849, German immigrant Heinrich Ludwig Kreische

purchased land in La Grange, 65 miles southeast of Austin. He built a threestory main house, a smokehouse, a barn and what would become the states
third largest commercial brewery.
This was no ordinary piece of land. It came with a mass grave of Texas
soldiers.
What we have left today is Texas history: archaeological ruins that give a
http://www.dallasnews.com/lifestyles/travel/texas/20150530-monument-hill-a-piece-of-texas-brewing-history.ece

Page 1 of 6

Monument Hill: A piece of Texas brewing history | Dallas Morning News

8/7/16, 1:19 PM

glimpse of our states German heritage, a memorial on a scenic sandstone

bluff 200 feet above the Colorado River and lush, old woodlands.
Begin at the Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites
office. Grab a map that details the parks 1.7 miles of natural trails.
When you arrive at the mass grave of 52 Texas fighters killed by the Mexican
army between 1842 and 1843, you might be distracted by the vista of the river
and downtown La Grange. Near the bluffs edge, pause at the 48-foot
limestone monument decorated with an art deco mural.
Next, arrive at an overlook for a view down at the ruins of Kreisches brewery.
Theyre nestled in a valley surrounded by a fairy tale forest of yaupon, cedar,
live oak and red juniper. The brewery closed in 1884, two years after
Kreisches death. Even in a derelict state, his German stone work is distinct
and majestic.
Want a closer look? Head down the steep Kreische Stairway Trail. You wont
be able to explore restricted areas without a guided tour, but circle the site for
a closer view of the malting kiln, the stairs leading down to the cooling and
fermenting rooms, and the cistern built on a natural spring. Imagine Kreische
waving a banner that said Frisch Auf (Freshen Up) when his signature Bluff
Beer, a dark lager, was ready, inviting the community for a few steins.
Finish the loop back toward your car, or further explore the park via the
Schulenburg Ferry Trail and the Kreische Woods.
Then just try not to crave a cold Texas beer.

When you go
Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, 414 State Loop 92,
La Grange. Hop on Highway 77 in Waxahachie and go south 190 miles. Here's
a map of the park (PDF).
http://www.dallasnews.com/lifestyles/travel/texas/20150530-monument-hill-a-piece-of-texas-brewing-history.ece

Page 2 of 6

Monument Hill: A piece of Texas brewing history | Dallas Morning News

8/7/16, 1:19 PM

Guided tours of the ruins are offered at 10 a.m. Saturdays, June through
September. From October through May, they're at 2 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays.
Tours of the main house are offered January through November at 2 and 3
p.m. Sundays. Call ahead to verify availability.

About that cold beer

There's no brewery in La Grange today, but here are three places to have a sip:
Sample honey wine at Rohan Meadery in La Grange. rohanmeadery.com.
Try the wine at Rosemarys Vineyard and Winery in La Grange. winesmade-in-texas.com.
Drive 44 miles east to try small-batch craft beer at Huff Brewing Co. in
Bellville. huffbrewing.com.
Christy Robinson is the Dallas Morning News digital communities/SEO specialist.
On Twitter:
@christyrobinson

Facebook

Twitter

Email

Comments

Promoted Stories From The Web

More Promoted Stories

Follow this story

Print

Recommended by

More From Dallasnews.com

Dallas weatherman says 'slain thugs'
comment that led him to resign had no
racist intent News

http://www.dallasnews.com/lifestyles/travel/texas/20150530-monument-hill-a-piece-of-texas-brewing-history.ece

Page 3 of 6