Historic Courthouse

Comal County Courthouse

New Braunfels, Texas

Built in 1859-1860 by architect William C. A. Thielepape.

Current status: gone

The Texas Historical Commission's (THC) nationally recognized and award-winning Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) has turned around the trend of disrepair and begun restoring these treasured historic landmarks. Texas has more historic courthouses than any other state. Today more than 240 courthouses still stand that are least 50 years old. About 80 were built before the turn of the 20th century. By the end of that century, most of these structures were significantly deteriorated due to inadequate maintenance, insensitive modifications or weather related damage. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) documented the condition of 50 of the state’s oldest courthouses in the late 1990s and determined that counties lacked the resources to preserve the buildings for future generations.

law courthouses buildings
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
Texas random facts
Comal County, located in the heart of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Lipan Apache, who relied on the land's abundant natural resources for survival. Spanish explorers arrived in the region in the 1700s, establishing missions and settlements.

In the early 19th century, German immigrants began to arrive, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for a better life. These settlers established small farming communities and brought with them their language, traditions, and expertise in agriculture and craftsmanship. The town of New Braunfels was founded in 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, becoming the first German colony in Texas.

The mid-19th century saw significant growth and development in Comal County, with the construction of schools, churches, and businesses. The area became known for its thriving agricultural industry, with farmers cultivating crops such as cotton and corn. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further spurred economic growth and provided easier access to markets.

Throughout the 20th century, Comal County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The county's strong German heritage remained at the forefront, celebrated through events like Wurstfest, a German sausage festival. The tourism industry also grew, with visitors flocking to the county's natural attractions, such as the iconic Guadalupe River and historic Gruene Hall, Texas' oldest continually operating dance hall.

Today, Comal County is a vibrant and thriving community, blending its rich history with modern amenities and a strong sense of pride in its cultural heritage. With its beautiful landscapes, strong economy, and warm Southern hospitality, Comal County continues to be a desirable place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Comal County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Comal County established as one of the original 23 counties in the state of Texas
  • 1847 - Settlement begins in the area with the founding of New Braunfels
  • 1850 - Comal County's population reaches 2,013
  • 1861-1865 - County residents actively involved in the American Civil War
  • 1870 - Completion of the first railroad through Comal County
  • 1885 - Jacob's Well, a natural artesian spring, becomes a popular tourist attraction
  • 1920s - Economic growth in Comal County, driven by agriculture and manufacturing industries
  • 1941-1945 - County residents contribute to the war effort during World War II
  • 1968 - Canyon Lake, a reservoir on the Guadalupe River, is completed
  • 1990s - Rapid population growth and urban development in Comal County
  • 2007 - Construction begins on the controversial Trans-Texas Corridor project