Gillespie County

The Society for the Protection of German Immigrants was formed in Germany in 1842 by a group of German noblemen with both philanthropic and commercial goals for a settlement in Texas. Over 5,200 German immigrants arrived on the Texas coast between October 1845 and April 1846. Lack of adequate funding and planning, as well as the continued war between Texas and Mexico, left many immigrants stranded at Indianola without sufficient food, water, shelter, or transportation inland. Hundreds perished on the Texas coast, on the journey inland, and in cholera epidemics. Traveling by wagon, cart, and on foot, leaving behind much of what they had brought from their homeland, thousands made their way toward the land that was to be their new home. Through the courage, tenacity, and diligence of the German pioneers who survived, Friedrichsburg was founded. Today, Fredericksburg, the county seat, continues in the cooperative spirit of these determined German pioneers, honoring their traditions, heritage, and culture.

The Gillespie County Historical Society's Arcadia Book Committee reviewed thousands of photographs from its archives, many of which have been donated by descendants of the original settlers. Included is an 1847 Seth Eastman sketch that depicts the earliest days of Fredericksburg.