As an expert on the history of New Braunfels, TX, I am always fascinated by the story of how this charming city came to be. Founded in 1845 by Prince Charles de Solms of Germany, New Braunfels has a rich and unique history that has shaped its present-day identity. One of the most notable features of New Braunfels is its beautiful Comal County Courthouse, which was designed in 1898 by J. Gordon. Interestingly, this courthouse bears a striking resemblance to the Lee County Courthouse in Giddings.
Another iconic landmark in New Braunfels is the town square, which has an unusual but practical design. For those unfamiliar with roundabouts, they can be quite intimidating. However, the corners of the New Braunfels square offer a safe haven for pedestrians. The center of the square features a fountain and two statues - one Confederate and one Doughboy. These statues were donated years apart by Mr.
TE and are just a few examples of the many historic monuments and landmarks that can be found throughout the city. In the early days of New Braunfels, life revolved around agriculture and trade. The city's first decade saw the installation of electric street lights and the first telephone line. At this time, Fredericksburg was the largest secondary settlement located 80 miles northwest of New Braunfels. Today, New Braunfels is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months when visitors flock to enjoy the cold water rivers that run through the city. July and August are typically the warmest months in New Braunfels, with an average high temperature of 95°F (35°C).On Good Friday in 1845, Prince Carl led the first group of settlers to New Braunfels, which was named after his ancestral German home.
In the decades that followed, the city's population continued to grow thanks to a thriving industrial sector and a booming tourism industry. By the mid-1980s, New Braunfels was home to fourteen major industries and was known for its production of textiles and building materials. Today, there are two main newspapers serving the city of New Braunfels - the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung and the TX Citizen (formerly known as the Citizen of NB). The city also has two private high schools - the New Braunfels Christian Academy and the Calvary Baptist Academy.The German influence on New Braunfels is still evident today, with many social clubs and organizations founded by German immigrants. These include the German Singing Society, the Schuetzen Verein (a shooting club), and one of the first Turnvereins (athletic clubs).As an expert on New Braunfels, I am constantly amazed by how this small city has evolved over the years.
From its humble beginnings as a settlement for German immigrants to its current status as a thriving tourist destination, New Braunfels has a fascinating history that continues to shape its present-day identity.