History

Permanent settlement on the site started in 1849 when aristocratic pioneer settlers from Germany settled on the site to start a new community. The property has some of the oldest buildings in Sisterdale. The stone block Fort pre-dates the Civil War. Open gun ports line the foot-thick fortified stone walls. These narrow and angled cut stone openings allowed gunmen a wide range of motion to fight off an Indian attack, and reduced the number of incoming arrows or gunshots. The same design was used in European Medieval castles.

In its early years, the Dancehall was an Opera House, and community center. Later, it became a dancehall with a community grocery store and post office connected. The Dancehall was the center of musical life for the community. Music of all kinds flooded the Dancehall during its long life-classical opera, folk, rock, Tejano, Americana and country music.

Famous artists performed at the Sisterdale Dancehall over the years. Our Dancehall has been featured in several movies, hosted George Strait in a Bud Light commercial and country artists Brooks and Dunn featured the Dancehall while filming their classic hit song, Red Dirt Road.