Historical Marker
John O. Meusebach
Historical marker location:
Cherry Spring, Texas
( from Cherry Spring take US 87 S approx. 2.5 miles SE (current location in roadside park - marker will be relocated to Mason County in 2012))
Marker installed: 1965
(1812-1897)
To be a Texan, Meusebach gave up title of baron in 1845. As commissioner-general, German Emigration Company, he founded Fredericksburg in 1846 as gateway to Fisher-Miller land grant, hunting ground of the Comanche. By emptying his firearms, he won trust of Indians and made treaty to provide for unmolested settlement. Indians called him "El Sol Colorado" (The Red Sun).
State senator, 1851. In 1854 issued colonists' headrights.
To his family motto, he added "Texas forever." Lived in Loyal Valley. Buried near Cherry Spring.