Guenther's Live Oak Mill
By 1848, Carl Hilmar Guenther (1826-1902), master millwright, had completed his apprenticeship in Germany and immigrated to the U.S. In search of opportunities and a good grist mill site, he journeyed south from Wisconsin to New Orleans, and then west to Texas. In 1851 he bought land and water rights on Live Oak Creek near Fredericksburg. After six months of construction, his mill was operational, but a flood destroyed the first dam. One month after the floor the mill was working again.
Ox drawn wagons loaded with harvested crops converged on the mill in the mornings, and after the farmers' business was completed the men remained to visit with each other. The mill became a center of social life in the Hill Country community
Guenther was granted U.S. Citizenship in gillespie County in 1854. He married Dorothea Pape in 1855. They lived in a home near the mill and were eventually the parents of seven children.
In 1859 Guenther chose a site about one mile from the center of San antonio as a new site for his mill operation. Guenther mills soon became the Pioneer Flour Mills, an enterprise which became a flourishing business in Texas and the Southwest
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
The pioneer settlers of Gillespie County were mostly of German descent, seeking a new life and economic opportunities. They developed a thriving agricultural community, growing crops like cotton, corn, and wheat. The early settlers also established successful farms and ranches, making Gillespie County one of the leading agricultural regions in Texas.
During the Civil War, Gillespie County experienced some conflict and tensions due to the differing loyalties of its residents. However, after the war, the county experienced a period of growth and prosperity as the railroad reached Fredericksburg, the county seat, in 1913. This opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce, leading to economic development and population growth.
In recent years, Gillespie County has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich history, charming small towns, and beautiful natural surroundings. Today, the county is known for its wineries, historic sites, and festivals that celebrate its German heritage. It continues to thrive as a center of agriculture, tourism, and cultural preservation in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
Gillespie County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Gillespie County, Texas.
- 1848 - Gillespie County is established and named after Robert Addison Gillespie
- 1849 - The county seat is established in Fredericksburg
- 1850s - German immigrants begin settling in the area, shaping the county's culture and economy
- 1861-1865 - Gillespie County residents participate in the American Civil War
- 1880s - The county experiences growth with the arrival of the railroad and expansion of agriculture
- 1900s - Gillespie County faces challenges such as the 1900 storm and the Great Depression
- 1940s - Fort Mason is established as a training center during World War II
- 1970s - Tourism becomes an important industry, boosting the county's economy
- 1990s - Fredericksburg becomes a popular tourist destination with its historic downtown and wineries