An enterprising community, Medina had built one of the first sawmills in the area (1865) and established a Post Office by 1880. Variety in their economy began as early as 1890, as the thriving population of 150, managed a cotton gin, a corn mill, 3 general stores, a hotel, and a private bank. Most of the community raised cattle and livestock.
Apple farming was started in Medina with dwarf apple trees in 1980. Apples grown proved to be regular size but 40 percent sweeter than other varieties. The superior product and more efficient land use, brought Medina recognition by the Texas Department of Agriculture, and in 1989, Medina was declared the Apple Capital of Texas. The annual Medina International Apple Festival, is held on the last Saturday of July.
Medina's one main street (the town is only about 1.77 square miles) will provide hours of shopping with handcrafted furniture, an old time hardware store, antique shops, gift shops, and ~ Apples. The entire town subscribes to the Apple Theme, and businesses and residences alike use apples for decoration and inspiration. Don't forget to try the apple ice cream. Tours are available.
Medina now has over 300,000 dwarf apple trees, which can be grown 2,500 trees to an acre. Its main exports are fresh apples, apple pies, apple crisp, gourmet apple jams, apple jellies, apple sauces, apple cider, and all things apple.
