Central Texas Fall Field Trip
East Lampasas | November 2, 2024
Preservation Texas members are invited to join us on Saturday, November 2nd for a "field trip" to Lampasas! This event is free for Preservation Texas members and registration is limited to 25 participants on a first come, first served basis.
The event will kick off with an orientation and breakfast at the newly restored Keystone Star Hotel in historic downtown Lampasas, followed by an exclusive opportunity to tour two rarely-open, unrestored buildings in East Lampasas - the Lampasas Colored School and New Hope Baptist Church. These circa 1920 buildings are among the last surviving emblems of the historic Black community of East Lampasas that has now largely disappeared from the area. In addition, participants will have a chance to visit the nearby ruins of the 1855 Moses Hughes Mill and Dam on Sulphur Creek. The newly formed nonprofit Lampasas Conservancy has plans to save and repurpose these imperiled sites, which were included on our Most Endangered Places List in 2023.
During the tour, participants will be guided through the process of investigating historic buildings and cultural landscapes to discover evidence of a place’s origins, past use, and evolution, while learning how to think about historic sites from the point of view of a preservationist.
Lampasas Colored School
Keystone Star Hotel
Field Trip Schedule
09:15 a.m. | Registrant Check-in and Breakfast at the Keystone Star Hotel
Participants will begin the day at the historic Keystone Star Hotel (404 E. 2nd Street). Originally built in 1856 as a stagecoach stop, the building was recently restored after being vacant for over 30 years. It is now maintained as a private venue, and is not usually open to the public. Breakfast tacos, pastries, and coffee will be provided.
09:30 a.m. | Welcome & Orientation
Preservation Texas staff will welcome participants to the event and provide educational reference materials.
09:45 a.m. | East Lampasas: Historical Context & Future Plans
Boyce Cabaniss of the Lampasas Conservancy will share a brief history of the East Lampasas community and outline the Conservancy’s vision and goals for the future.
10:25 a.m. | Depart Keystone Star Hotel
Participants will travel in their own vehicles or carpool with others.
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Guided Architectural Investigation of East Lampasas Sites
Preservation Texas staff will guide participants through the Lampasas Colored School, New Hope Baptist Church, and Moses Hughes Mill Ruins (all near 514 College Street). Participants will learn how to investigate historic sites from a preservationist’s point of view. Lunch will be on your own.
Field Trip registration is free of charge for Preservation Texas members and is limited to 25 participants. Current members can register in their online Preservation Texas account portal at preservationtexas.org/login while spots remain. Once logged in, click “Register for Events” in the left sidebar menu.
If you are not a member, we’d love to have you join or renew!
New Hope Baptist Church
Hughes Mill before 1941 fire
Hughes Mill ruins
