WEST, Texas (FOX 44) – The next stop on our Summer Celebration Tour is the city of West, a place steeped in history and heritage.

The city is known as the Czech Heritage Capital of Texas and is also a great place to stop and get a kolache!

West is known as a friendly city of progress, founded in 1892. The city includes 14 historic sites and markers, such as the Church of Assumption, the Crash at Crush and the Best Theatre Building.

“This started a long time ago, with all of our ancestors settling here, and they were all very religious individuals and families, and that has carried on into the current society here in Central Texas,” said former City of West Mayor Tommy Muska.

And in Central Texas, West is known as home to many people with Czech roots, who are dedicated to celebrating who they are and preserving their culture.

“We have tried very hard to keep that heritage alive. We do different things with that Czech heritage,” says West resident Kathy Podsednik.

From bakeries to festivals, churches, and even parades, the community is dedicated to keeping their heritage alive. With the help of local genealogists, West citizens are learning more about who they are and where they come from.

“I thought, ‘Once I retire, I’m going to move West to a Czech community in Texas,’ and West was a perfect fit for me,” says genealogist Danny Leshikar.

But many may wonder: how did the Czech community grow in the West?

“A lot of the Czech immigrants who settled in Texas came from Galveston and landed there. Then they moved from South Texas to places like West,” Muska explains.

When community leaders know the history and heritage of their city, they take pride in where they live.

“It just makes you feel like you’re part of our culture, even though we already are. It brings you closer to the city and it’s just an amazing experience,” says Miss West Fest 2023 Grace Watson.

If you ever find yourself driving on Interstate 35, stop in the City of West and soak up a bit of history!