Histories of Small Town Texas

NEW BERLIN, TX. New Berlin is on Farm Road 2538 eleven miles southwest of Seguin in southwestern Guadalupe County. Many of the early settlers were German immigrants who came to the area in the 1870s. Ed Tewes built the first store at New Berlin, and the town had a post office from 1878 to 1906. By the mid-1880s New Berlin had two steam gristmills and cotton gins, a general store, and seventy residents. The community served as a shipping point for cotton, cottonseed, corn, and oats. In 1904 fifty-six students attended the one-teacher school. The population of New Berlin fell to forty in 1949. The town was incorporated in 1980, when 253 residents were reported. In 1990 the population was 188.

History of seguin Texas

Seguin, Texas, was founded on August 12, 1838, and was originally named Walnut Springs. The town was later renamed Seguin in honor of Colonel Juan N. Seguin, a hero of the Alamo and a leader of the Texas Revolution. Colonel Seguin led a group of Texans of Mexican ancestry to win the battle at San Jacinto, which resulted in the defeat of the Mexican army and the establishment of the Republic of Texas.

Pecan Industry

Seguin is known for its pecan industry, which dates back to the 1800s. The city is home to the world’s largest pecan, and pecans are a major crop in the area. The city’s pecan industry has played a significant role in its economy and culture.

German Immigration

In the 1840s and 1850s, many German immigrants traveled along the German Immigrant Trail to Seguin and the Hill Country. By the 1880s, over 40% of Seguin’s population was of German descent. Today, many German descendants remain in the area, and the city celebrates its German heritage through festivals and cultural events.

Historic Sites and Landmarks

Seguin is home to several historic sites and landmarks, including the Campbell Log Cabin, which was built in 1850 by Joseph Campbell, an Irish immigrant. The cabin is now a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The city is also home to the Old Stagecoach Road mural, which represents the cultural diversity of the city and celebrates its heritage and legacy. The mural is located on Donegan Street in the heart of downtown Seguin.

Economy and Culture

Today, Seguin’s economy is primarily supported by a regional hospital, as well as the Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation water-utility. The city also has a strong tourism industry, with visitors drawn to its historic sites, cultural events, and natural attractions.

The city hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Pecan Fest Heritage Days, which celebrates the city’s pecan industry, and the Seguin Film Festival, which showcases independent films. The city also has a strong arts scene, with several galleries and performance venues.

Education

Seguin is home to Texas Lutheran University, a private liberal arts university that was founded in 1897. The city also has a public school system, with several schools serving students from kindergarten through high school.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Seguin was 29,433. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of long-time residents and newcomers. The city’s population is growing, with new businesses and developments emerging in recent years.

Overall, Seguin, Texas, is a city with a rich history, a strong sense of community, and a growing economy. Its unique blend of German and Mexican heritage, combined with its natural beauty and cultural attractions, make it a popular destination for visitors and a great place to live.

New Braunfels, Texas, was founded in 1845 by a group of German immigrants led by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels and sponsored by the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas (Mainzer Adelsverein). The community was established at the intersection of the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers, which provided a scenic and fertile area for settlement.

Early Years

The town was named after the German city of Braunfels, and it quickly grew into a thriving community. The settlers brought with them their German culture, traditions, and skills, which had a significant impact on the development of the town. The town’s early economy was based on agriculture, with settlers farming the fertile land and producing crops such as cotton, corn, and wheat.

Growth and Development

In the late 1800s, New Braunfels experienced significant growth and development. The town became a major center for manufacturing, with industries such as wagon-making, furniture-making, and leather goods production. The town’s

markets supplied places as close as Bastrop and Victoria and as far away as New Orleans, New York, and the Nassau province of Germany.

Historic Districts and Landmarks

New Braunfels is home to several historic districts and landmarks, including the Gruene Historic District, which is located within the city limits. The district was founded by the sons of settlers Ernst and Antoinette Gruene and features a bank, post office, school, general store, lumberyard, gristmill, dance hall, and cotton gin. The district is now a Nationally Registered Historic District and is a popular tourist destination.

Modern-Day New Braunfels

Today, New Braunfels is a thriving city with a population of over 104,000 people. The city is known for its natural beauty, with the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers running through it. The city is also home to several museums, including the Sophienburg Museum & Archives, which showcases the town’s German roots through local artifacts and photographs.

Festivals and Events

New Braunfels hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including Wassailfest, which celebrates the town’s German heritage, and the Gruene Music and Wine Festival, which features live music and wine tastings. The city also hosts a variety of outdoor activities, including tubing and kayaking on the rivers.

Conclusion

New Braunfels, Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans over 175 years. From its humble beginnings as a small German settlement to its current status as a thriving city, New Braunfels has always been a place of growth, innovation, and community. Today, visitors and residents alike can enjoy the city’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.