Homes For Sale in Anaqua Springs

Homes for sale in Anaqua Springs

Anaqua Springs Ranch is a unique, pristine example of nature in its entire splendor.  This word, Anaqua, with its rich history and numerous definitions, provides the perfect identity for this land that offers limestone bluffs, natural spring-fed creeks, waterfalls, majestic hilltops and lush wooded valleys.

Anaqua tree.  An evergreen tree native to central Texas.  It grows no further north than San Antonio and is best known for its rough leaves which are similar in feel to that of a cat’s tongue. It produces white flowers in spring and small, sweet pumpkin-colored fruit. The Anaqua is often confused with the Live Oak because of its shapely trunk. The Anaqua tree is also known as the “Knockaway” or “Sandpaper” tree.

The Anaqua (“Iguaces”) Indians, a Tonkawa group, were named after the Anaqua tree, which was abundant in South Texas. The Anaqua would eat the orange berries produced by the tree and use its strong wood for much of their construction. The Indians would sit below the Anaqua tree and meditate, believing the tree held healing properties.

Anaqua, Texas is believed to have been the first named site in Texas. It is located on the San Antonio River, twenty miles south of Victoria in Victoria County. The locale was also named after the Anaqua trees. The first chapel was built there as early as 1820, and Anglo settlers came after 1836. These locals used the wood from the Anaqua trees for posts, wheel spokes, axles, yokes, and tool handles. Anaqua became a trading post for many years. A post office, which at first was simply a box nailed to a big Anaqua tree, was established in 1852. Anaqua also erected a rural school. In 1906 focus was drawn away from Anaqua. Five miles east, the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway established a station at McFaddin and the Anaqua post office closed.