German Pioneers in Texas — Birth of a New Society
Beginning of German Immigration
Texas attracted settlers of all ethnicities during the 1800’s. One of the largest groups were Germans. They migrated to places like Texas to escape the high taxes and over-population in Germany at that time.
The earliest attempt at a German settlement in Texas came in 1812 when Morphi, the Spanish Consul at New Orleans, proposed to the Spanish Government that German and Polish soldiers be sent to Texas to serve as a buffer against Napoleonic aggressions.
However, the plan failed because Mexico, who was ruled by Spain at the time, had claimed independence before any action on the plan was taken.
Then in 1830 Stephen F. Austin considered a plan to induce German and Swiss immigrants to Texas.
He valued the character and industry of them, saying “They have not in general that horrible mania for speculation which is so prominent a trait in the English and North American character and above all they will oppose slavery.”
These and other early attempts to create a German settlement in Texas had failed. However, this did not stop some Germans from immigrating and the idea lived on.
Up to this point most Germans settled along the coast in the more developed areas. One organization sought to change that.
Birth of a New Society
Organized in 1842 by twenty one German noblemen, The Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas, commonly known as Adelsverein, intended to create a new German settlement.
Their goal was to secure land to induce German immigrants into Texas. They were also interested in introducing German made products to a new market and developing maritime opportunities.
For $120 per person or $240 per family the Adelsverein promised:
- Transportation & food for voyage
- 320 acres of land per single man or 640 acres per family
- A Warehouse at the site with supplies
- Establishment of schools and churches
- A Return trip should they choose to leave
The voyage from Germany took 2 months. The ships were overcrowded, food was lacking and disease was rampant. Some did not survive the voyage.
Once the settlers arrived at Indianola, Texas, often referred to as Carlshafen, they had to wait up to 30 days for transportation inland, staying in tents on the beach.
The society acquired some land known as the Fisher-Miller land grant. It comprised 3 million acres between the Colorado and Llano rivers. The need for towns along the road to the land grant soon became a priority.
New Braunfels was the first town established by the Adelsverein in 1845. The site was chosen by the first commissioner general Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels. Soon after its founding Prince Carl left for Germany and never returned.
According to the 1850 census the population in town was 1,298, making it the 4th largest city behind Galveston, San Antonio and Houston.
On June 23rd 1855 the Texas State Gazette wrote, “The town of New Braunfels has a population of thirty five hundred inhabitants, principally Germans, only eight American families have settled in the place. Although the first settlers were poor, yet by a few years of persevering industry and rigid economy they have placed themselves in easy and independent circumstances.”
New Leadership and Development
John O. Meusebach succeeded Prince Carl. He found the financial situation in disarray. There were massive debts and the society lacked organization. He soon brought order and settled as many debts as possible.
His next order of business was to establish a second town closer to the land grant. That town was Fredericksburg. The first settlers arrived in 1846 and by 1850 the census claimed there were 750 people living in town.
Five more towns were founded, all of them in the Fisher-Miller land grant. Today only one of them has survived.
Conclusion
It was not easy for these settlers during the first few years. There were several epidemics that killed many of them. Yet, they persevered and the towns prospered. Today New Braunfels and Fredericksburg are popular tourist destinations, filled with a rich history.
Under Meusebach’s charge over 5,000 German immigrants were brought to Texas and six towns were established. He resigned from his position in 1847. By the end of that year the society was facing bankruptcy. In 1853 the company assigned all its properties and colonization rights to its creditors.
While the society was short lived, the work they accomplished was remarkable. They opened up a whole new area for German settlers and established several thriving towns.
One other interesting note is the Germans’ relations with the Indians.
Meusebach helped to establish a treaty among the Commanches, one that was never broken. The Meusebach-Comanche Treaty allowed settlers to go unharmed into Indian territory and the Indians to go to the White settlements. This helped ease tensions and provided safety for the settlers.
Travel Tips
Experience German history by visiting New Braunfels and Fredericksburg, Texas. Both are a short drive from Austin.
In New Braunfels be sure to check out the Sophienburg Museum. They offer a unique experience that guides visitors from the shores of Indianola to New Braunfels. Exhibits include a replica ship and storefronts.
Hours and admission can be found at: www.sophienburg.com
Fredericksburg also has a museum dedicated to the town’s German history. Visit the Vereins Kirche Museum in Marktplatz Square. Exhibits include the cornerstone and bell from the original building.
Hours and admission can be found at: www.pioneermuseum.net/vereins-kirche.html
Don’t forget to enjoy some German cuisine while you’re there. Visit the Alpine Haus Restaurant in New Braunfels or Der Lindenbaum in Fredericksburg. Both restaurants have a 4+ star rating on Google. You can’t go wrong with the schnitzel.
References
Biesele, R. L. (1998). The History of German Settlements in Texas 1831–1861. Eakin Press.
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/germans
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/adelsverein
UTSA Special Collections, https://digital.utsa.edu/digital/collection/p9020coll008
