Czech settlers shaped Burleson County towns — the Caldwell Kolache Festival keeps that heritage alive

Burleson County was established in 1846. It was named for General Edward Burleson. Anglo settlers came in the 1820s through Stephen F. Austin's colony. The county grew first around cotton farming. Starting in the 1880s, waves of Czech immigrants moved here. Some joined existing towns. Others started their own communities. The Texas State Historical Association's Handbook of Texas says Czech settlers founded Frenstat, New Tabor, and a community called Sebesta — later renamed Snook — in the eastern part of the county.

Snook is now a small incorporated city about 15 miles southeast of Caldwell. It grew from the Sebesta family's farm settlement. By 1910, residents had built a lodge hall for the Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas. Snook still has its own independent school district and a strong Czech-descended identity.

Every second Saturday in September, Caldwell hosts the Kolache Festival. Tens of thousands of visitors come to the courthouse square. They come for Czech pastries, homemade sausage, traditional music, dancing, and antique farm equipment. The City of Caldwell puts on the event to celebrate the region's Czech heritage. Check caldwelltx.gov for current dates and details before you go.