Fredericksburg was founded May 8, 1846, by German immigrants under the auspices of the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas. The first colonization was of New Braunfels in 1845. A few years later, Fort Martin Scott was established southeast of Fredericksburg.

The commissioner General of the Society, also known as the "Adelsverein," was Baron Ottfired Hans von Meusebach, a German nobleman who took the name of John O. Meusebach once settled in Fredericksburg. He was a skilled and capable man in handling the affairs of the colony, and was diplomatic in dealing with the Indians.

The historic treaty he made with the Comanche Indians on the San Saba River in 1847 was hailed state-wide as the major effort in bringing about peaceful relations with the Indians on the frontier. The City of Fredericksburg derived its name from German nobleman, Prince Frederick of Prussia, who was the highest ranking member of the "Adelesverein."

This society sponsored the colonization of the Fisher-Miller Grant in Central Texas. Poor management by those who preceded Meusebach, however, defeated the original plan for colonization of larger areas north of Fredericksburg, except for those who settled in the Mason-Castell area.

During these early years, over 5,000 colonists from Germany landed at the Texas port of Indianola, also called Carlshaven. Most of them settled in Central Texas. The trip from the Gulf Coast to the site of the colony was made in two-wheeled oxcarts and on foot. Transportation was scarce due to the war between Mexico and the United States, which involved almost all available teamsters. Sickness and lack of food took a great toll on human life. Many never reached their destination. It was told that one could almost follow the travelers' course by the graves of those who died of the dreaded cholera.

With little more than determination, they set about the task of creating a new home in a new world -- a land free of religious and political oppression. These sturdy colonists were confronted with many obstacles, chiefly sickness, inadequate food, and almost no money. Little, however, could be bought because there were few markets. After a year or so the Fredericksburg colony began to prosper. Indians were as a rule peaceful during the early years of the colony, due mainly to the diplomacy of John O. Meusebach.

Historical information provided by the Gillespie County Historical Society phone 830-997-2835 e-mail gchs@ktc.com For more Historical information also visit: The Fredericksburg Texas Manuscripts