Fredericksburg, Texas | |
|---|---|
 East end of downtown Fredericksburg | |
 Seal | |
| Nicknames: Fritztown, | |
 Location of Fredericksburg, Texas | |
 | |
| Coordinates:30°15′50″N98°52′29″W / 30.26389°N 98.87472°W /30.26389; -98.87472 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Gillespie |
| Named after | Prince Frederick of Prussia |
| Area | |
• Total | 9.25 sq mi (23.95 km2) |
| • Land | 9.19 sq mi (23.81 km2) |
| • Water | 0.05 sq mi (0.14 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,723 ft (525 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 10,875 |
| • Density | 1,200/sq mi (450/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−06:00 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−05:00 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code | 78624 |
| Area code | 830 |
| FIPS code | 48-27348[3] |
| GNIS feature ID | 2410542[2] |
| Website | www |
Fredericksburg (German:Friedrichsburg) is a city in and thecounty seat ofGillespie County, Texas, United States.[4] As of the2020 Census, this city had a population of 10,875.[5]
Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 and named afterPrince Frederick of Prussia. Old-time German residents often referred to Fredericksburg as Fritztown, a nickname that is still used in some businesses.[6] It is located 70 miles northwest ofSan Antonio, and approximately 80 miles west ofAustin. This city is also notable as the home ofTexas German, a dialect spoken by the first generations ofGerman settlers who initially refused to learnEnglish. Fredericksburg shares many cultural characteristics withNew Braunfels, which had been established byPrince Carl of Solms-Braunfels the previous year. Fredericksburg is the birthplace of Fleet AdmiralChester Nimitz. It is the sister city ofMontabaur, Germany.[7] On October 14, 1970, theFredericksburg Historic District was added to theNational Register of Historic Places in Texas.[8]
Fredericksburg is located east of the center of Gillespie County 70 miles (110 km) north ofSan Antonio and 78 mi (126 km) west ofAustin.
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.6 sq mi (22.3 km2), of which 30 acres (0.12 km2), or 0.55%, is covered by water.[9]
Enchanted Rock is a geographical landmark 27 km (17 mi) north of Fredericksburg inLlano County. The rock is a huge, pink graniteexfoliation dome that rises 425 ft (130 m) above the surrounding land, has a summit elevation of 1,825 ft (556 m) above sea level, and covers 640 acres (260 ha). Enchanted Rock offers 8.4 mi of hiking trails, camping, picnicking, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. It is one of the largestbatholiths (underground rock formation uncovered by erosion) in the United States, and was declared aNational Natural Landmark in 1970. In 1994, theState of Texas opened it as Enchanted Rock State Natural Area after adding facilities. The same year, Enchanted Rock was added to theNational Register of Historic Places.[10][11]
Balanced Rock was a famous local landmark that perched atop Bear Mountain 16 km (10 mi) north of Fredericksburg.[12] The natural wonder stone pillar, precariously balanced on its small tip.[13] It fell prey to vandals, who dynamited it off its base in April 1986.[14][15]
The first known record of Cross Mountain (elevation 584 m (1,916 ft)) was in 1847 byFerdinand von Roemer. Native Americans used the location to signal each other about intrusions into their territory. The area was part of settler John Christian Durst's 10-acre (4.0 ha) allotment. Durst found a timber cross on the mountain, indicating that Spanish missionaries had once used the site. Durst named the place "Kreuzberg" or Cross Mountain. In 1849, Father George Menzel erected a new cross. In 1946, St. Mary's Catholic Church erected a metal and concrete cross. The mountain has been used both for the Easter Fires pageant and for Easter sunrise services. It was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark 1976.[16]
Fredericksburg experiences ahumid subtropical climate, with hot summers and generally mild winters. Average temperatures range from 82 °F (28 °C) in the summer to 47 °F (8 °C) during winter.
| Climate data for Fredericksburg, Texas (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1896–1915, 1939–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 90 (32) | 96 (36) | 101 (38) | 104 (40) | 102 (39) | 108 (42) | 109 (43) | 109 (43) | 109 (43) | 102 (39) | 92 (33) | 88 (31) | 109 (43) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 59.8 (15.4) | 63.8 (17.7) | 70.7 (21.5) | 78.0 (25.6) | 84.0 (28.9) | 90.3 (32.4) | 93.4 (34.1) | 94.2 (34.6) | 87.9 (31.1) | 79.1 (26.2) | 68.2 (20.1) | 61.4 (16.3) | 77.6 (25.3) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 47.0 (8.3) | 51.2 (10.7) | 58.3 (14.6) | 65.6 (18.7) | 73.3 (22.9) | 79.4 (26.3) | 82.1 (27.8) | 82.2 (27.9) | 76.0 (24.4) | 66.7 (19.3) | 56.1 (13.4) | 48.6 (9.2) | 65.5 (18.6) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 34.2 (1.2) | 38.5 (3.6) | 45.9 (7.7) | 53.2 (11.8) | 62.5 (16.9) | 68.5 (20.3) | 70.7 (21.5) | 70.2 (21.2) | 64.1 (17.8) | 54.2 (12.3) | 43.9 (6.6) | 35.8 (2.1) | 53.5 (11.9) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −5 (−21) | −3 (−19) | 12 (−11) | 24 (−4) | 37 (3) | 48 (9) | 55 (13) | 54 (12) | 35 (2) | 24 (−4) | 12 (−11) | 1 (−17) | −5 (−21) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 1.56 (40) | 1.84 (47) | 2.50 (64) | 2.55 (65) | 4.26 (108) | 2.98 (76) | 1.88 (48) | 2.42 (61) | 3.25 (83) | 3.10 (79) | 2.18 (55) | 2.04 (52) | 30.56 (776) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.1 (0.25) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.1 (0.25) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.2 (0.51) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 7.0 | 7.2 | 8.4 | 6.4 | 8.1 | 6.2 | 4.5 | 5.2 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 79.6 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Source:NOAA[17][18] | |||||||||||||
The Vereins Kirche, the Pioneer Museum Complex, Pioneer Memorial Library, and other architecture.
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On January 3, 1913, theSan Antonio, Fredericksburg and Northern Railway was chartered to connect Fredericksburg with theSan Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway nearWaring.[19] In 1913 a 920-foot (280 m) long railroad tunnel was built. The cost of the tunnel sent the railroad into receivership on October 28, 1914.[20] It was sold under foreclosure on December 31, 1917, to Martin Carle who deeded the property to theFredericksburg and Northern Railway, which had been chartered on December 26 of that year. The train operated until July 27, 1942.[21][22] Since the shutdown of the railway the tunnel has become a bat cave, hosting over 3 millionMexican free-tailed bats. In 2012 it becameOld Tunnel State Park, with provides picnic and restroom facilities for visitors.[23]
The Fredericksburg-Stonewall area has become known as thePeach Capital of Texas[24] and Benjamin Lester Enderle is known as the Father of the Hill Country Peach Industry. He was Gillespie County Surveyor and a math and science teacher at Fredericksburg High School when he planted five peach trees and began selling the fruit in 1921. Enderle worked to develop the Hale, Burbank, Elberta, and Stark varieties. He began marketing them through theH-E-B grocery chain, and eventually had 5,000 producing peach trees on 150 acres (61 ha).[25] Growers claim the taste[26] is due to the area having the right combination of elevation, sandy soil, and climate to produce flavorful clingstone andfreestone peaches. The fruit ripens May–August, and consumers can either buy picked fruit, or pick their own.[27]
Herb farms,[28] grape culture,lavender production, and wildflower seeds have become burgeoning businesses in Fredericksburg. Combinations of agribusiness with day spas, wedding facilities, or bed-and-breakfast accommodations are not unusual.[29][self-published source?] Even a Texas Hill Country Lavender Trail has been designated.[30]
Lady Bird Johnson's passion for Texas wildflowers not only lives on in theLady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, but also sparked a high demand for seed.[31] The 200-acre (81 ha)Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg was founded by John R. Thomas in 1983 as a result of that high demand, and produces 88 varieties of wildflower seeds. It is the largest family-owned wildflower seed farm in the United States and host of an annual Wildflower Celebration.[24][32][33]
In 1994, theSeventy-third Texas Legislature passed H.B. No. 1425, allowingbrewpub operations within Texas.[34] Fredericksburg Brewing Company began operations shortly thereafter.[35]A number of vineyards and related industries have also arisen in the post-LBJ era of Fredericksburg.[36] The designatedAmerican Viticultural Areas ofFredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country AVA and the much largerTexas Hill Country AVA both include Fredericksburg inside their boundaries.[37] Fredericksburg is a common starting point or destination for tourists visiting wineries in the Texas Hill Country.[38][39]
The city of Fredericksburg is served by theFredericksburg Independent School District. The school's teams are called the "Battlin' Billies".[40]
The first institute of higher learning in Fredericksburg was Fredericksburg College in 1876. The German Methodist Church of Fredericksburg founded the institution and offered courses in the arts, sciences, and foreign languages. Enrollment was about 150 students. W. J. R. Thoenssen was the first principal, succeeded by Charles F. Tansill. Finances caused the college to be closed in 1884. The property was sold to Fredericksburg Independent School District.[41]
For higher education, Fredericksburg is home toTexas Tech University at Fredericksburg.[42]
It also has some private schools, such as:
Fredericksburg has a municipally operated library adjacent to the Gillespie County Courthouse.
Headquartered in Fredericksburg, the Friends of Gillespie County Country Schools is a group of former students and members of the community, interested in preserving the traditions of the old country schools, the community clubs, and the history of Gillespie County for future generations.[45]
Hill Country Memorial Hospital on Highway 16 is an acute-care facility that offers medical care, preventive care, and a wellness center. It is consistently ranked in the top 100 hospitals in the nation.[46]
Gillespie County Airport[47] (FAA locator T82) is located on State Highway 16 South, about 2 miles (3.2 km) from downtown Fredericksburg, and features a 5,002 ft (1,525 m) long runway and a hotel and diner. The airport was established by Hans Hannemann and Red Schroeder. Prior to 1945, the facility had been owned by theUnited States Army Air Corps. Transient and long-term hangar rentals are available.[48][49]
 | This section needs to beupdated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(February 2020) |
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1850 | 754 | — | |
| 1870 | 1,164 | — | |
| 1880 | 1,085 | −6.8% | |
| 1890 | 1,532 | 41.2% | |
| 1930 | 2,416 | — | |
| 1940 | 3,544 | 46.7% | |
| 1950 | 3,854 | 8.7% | |
| 1960 | 4,629 | 20.1% | |
| 1970 | 5,326 | 15.1% | |
| 1980 | 6,412 | 20.4% | |
| 1990 | 6,934 | 8.1% | |
| 2000 | 8,911 | 28.5% | |
| 2010 | 10,530 | 18.2% | |
| 2020 | 10,875 | 3.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[50] | |||
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 7,844 | 72.13% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 48 | 0.44% |
| Native American orAlaska Native (NH) | 38 | 0.35% |
| Asian (NH) | 101 | 0.93% |
| Some Other Race (NH) | 31 | 0.29% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 290 | 2.67% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 2,523 | 23.2% |
| Total | 10,875 |
As of the2020 United States census, there were 10,875 people, 4,796 households, and 2,823 families residing in the city.
As of thecensus[3] of 2000, 8,911 people, 3,784 households, and 2,433 families resided in the city. The population density was 1,342 inhabitants per square mile (518/km2). The 4,183 housing units averaged 630 per square mile (243.2/km2). Theracial makeup of the city was 93.08% White, 0.27% African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 5.09% from other races, and 1.05% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 17.00% of the population. English is spoken by 72.73% of the population, Spanish by 14.77%, and Texas German by 12.48%.[53] In terms of ancestry, 39.7% were ofGerman, 12.5% were ofIrish, 10.8% were ofEnglish, 4.9% were ofAmerican, 3.2% were ofScotch-Irish, 2.3% were ofScottish, 2.3% were ofDutch.
Of the 3,784 households, 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% weremarried couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.7% were not families. About 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.82.
In the city, the population was distributed as 20.3% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 30.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $32,276, and for a family was $43,670. Males had a median income of $25,878 versus $22,171 for females. Theper capita income for the city was $18,788. About 7.5% of families and 11.9% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 16.1% of those under age 18 and 11.5% of those age 65 or over.
The city of Fredericksburg is run under thecouncil-manager form of government. As per the Home Rule Charter adopted May 1991,[54] the governing body of Fredericksburg consists of a mayor and four council members. Both the mayor and the council are elected in alternating years by the city at large for two-year terms with a limit of four consecutive terms.[55]
AM Radio station KNAF went on the air in 1947. The original license was granted by theFederal Communications Commission to Arthur Stehling.[56]The license was transferred to Norbert Fritz and family.[57]
TheFredericksburg Standard was originally titledGillespie County News and was founded in 1888. The name change happened in 1907. The paper was purchased by the Fredericksburg Publishing Company in 1915, which also published the German language newspaperFredericksburg Wochenblatt. TheRadio Post began publishing in 1922 and was purchased in 1984 by the Fredericksburg Publishing Company. The two newspapers merged into theFredericksburg Standard-Radio Post.[58][59]
| Name | Birth-death | Notability | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Bickler | (1849–1902) | Educator, founder of two Austin academies, taught summer school in Fredericksburg | [64] |
| Kyle Biedermann | (born 1959) | Texas state legislator | [65] |
| Matthew Gaines | (1840–1900) | Former slave, Baptist minister became a senator in theTexas State Legislature after emancipation | [66] |
| General Michael W. Hagee | (born 1944) | 33rd Commandant of the United States Marine Corps | [67] |
| Max Hirsch | (1880–1969) | National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame thoroughbred horse trainer | [68] |
| Betty Holekamp | (1826–1902) | German colonist and pioneer woman, called theBetsy Ross of Texas | [69] |
| 1st Lt. Louis John Jordan | (1890–1918) | All-American football player withTexas Longhorns (1911–1914), first Texan officer killed inWorld War I, posthumously awarded theCroix de Guerre in 1924 | [70] |
| Hugo Emil Klaerner | (1908–1982) | Chicago White Sox pitcher | [71] |
| Allen V. Kneese | (1930–2001) | Pioneer ofenvironmental economics | [72] |
| Engelbert Krauskopf | (1820–1881) | Gunsmith, inventor, naturalist | [73] |
| Jacob Kuechler | (1823–1893) | Surveyor, conscientious objector during the Civil War, and commissioner of the Texas General Land Office | [74] |
| Lara Logan | (born 1971) | 60 Minutes Correspondent | [75] |
| Hermann Lungkwitz | (1813–1891) | Landscape artist and photographer, noted for first pictorial records of the Texas Hill Country | [76] |
| John O. Meusebach | (1812–1897) | Founding father of Fredericksburg | [77] |
| Henry Miller | (1853–1896) | First Grand President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) | [78] |
| William Molter | (1910–1960) | Thoroughbred trainer inNational Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame | [79] |
| Charles Henry Nimitz | (1826–1911) | Built the Nimitz Hotel in 1852, grandfather of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, elected to the Texas Legislature in 1890 | [80] |
| Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz | (1885–1966) | Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Forces in World War II | [81] |
| Friedrich Richard Petri | (1824–1857) | Painter who depicted relationships between early German settlers and local Native American tribes | [82] |
| Colonel Alfred P. C. Petsch | (1887–1981) | Lawyer, legislator, civic leader, and philanthropist, served in theTexas House of Representatives 1925–1941, veteran of both World War I and World War II | [83] |
| Felix Stehling | (1925–2012) | Co-founder ofTaco Cabana | [84] |
| Buffy Tyler | (born 1978) | Playboy Playmate November 2000 | [85] |
| Frank Van der Stucken | (1858–1929) | Music composer, conductor | [86] |
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Municipalities and communities ofGillespie County, Texas,United States | ||
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