Christoval, Texas

Cow Girls, Downtown Christoval, Texas, Circa 1900

Christoval, Texas is a small community of about 400 people in Tom Green County. The city is not incorporated, so it relies on the county for community services. Christoval has a  post office and a few businesses.

Joseph S. Pelt, Early Christoval Landowner, circa 1920

In the early 1900′s, Christoval was known as a place of Spiritual Revival. The riverfront was the location of old time encampment meetings. There are reports of over 10,000 people attending the encampment meetings, and revivals would run all summer long. Dr. George Washington Truett of the Dallas Theological Seminary was one of the favorite speakers. There are reports of hundreds of people at a time being baptized in the South Concho River at these encampment meetings.

Christoval was also known as a place of physical healing. The area has mineral springs from which very strong mineral water seeped. This mineral water was believed to have great curative power, and people would travel from all over the country to come and soak in the mineral baths. The Raul’s Bath house was a local attraction known as a place of relaxing, healing, and restoration.

In the 1950′s to 1970′s Playland park was a popular attraction. At its peak, the park featured public access to the South Concho River, boat rentals, concession stand, and Ferris Wheel.

Playland park was converted into a private residence in the 1980′s, but today the public may access the South Concho River at Pugh Park. Pugh park features a pecan tree-lined shore, impressive rope swings, and big water suitable for swimming, fishing and boating.

In 2011 the  Christoval River Ministry was formed which holds informal church services in Pugh Park on Saturday afternoons. Visitors are treated to free barbeque sandwiches, watermelon, ice cold water, live music, and inspiring messages from The Word.

Downtown Christoval circa 1900