The self-proclaimed “Cowboy Capitol of the World” is a throwback to the days of the Old West. The town was founded by Roman Catholic immigrants from Poland, whose St. Stanislaus Catholic Church remains one of the oldest in the state. Bandera was the starting point of the Great Western Cattle Trail during the second half of the 19th century. Today, the town is known for its abundance of “dude ranches” and saloons, as well as shopping and dining along Main Street. Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar is a famous local honky-tonk, and it is the former home of singer Robert Earl Keen, and brothers Bruce and Charlie Robison. BANDERA VISITORS CENTER