Windthorst

Windthorst is a town in Archer and Clay counties in the U.S. state of Texas. It is part of the Wichita Falls, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 409 at the 2010 census. The town is named for Ludwig Windthorst, a Catholic statesman in Germany.Windthorst is the home of the St. Mary's Grotto, a Roman Catholic outdoor shrine, which was paid for with money sent home by 64 military service members from Windthorst who served in World War II. All of the 64 returned home. A new entrance to the shrine was constructed in 2009.Bridwell Park in Windthorst is named for the oilman, rancher, and philanthropist Joseph Sterling Bridwell of Wichita Falls.GeographyWindthorst is located in northern Texas, primarily in eastern Archer County but extending eastward into Clay County. U.S. Route 281 passes through the center of the town, leading north to Wichita Falls and southeast to Jacksboro. Texas State Highway 25 leads west from the center of Windthorst to Archer City, the Archer County seat.