Historical Marker
Waisenhaus (Orphanage)
Historical marker location:
1276 Ervendberg Street, New Braunfels, Texas
( 1276 Ervendberg St., 1/2 Mile N. of Loop 337 via Rock Rd (Rock Rd. becomes Gruene Rd., left on Ervenberg to private drive) (On Private Property) New Braunfels)
Marker installed: 1970
Known as first orphanage in State of Texas. Chartered in 1848 as "Western Texas Orphan Asylum" by L. C. Ervendberg (d. 1863), pastor of New Braunfels.
Because of severe epidemics, many children were homeless. At this site Ervendberg built this house (now much remodeled) and began a farm. Here he reared 19 orphans as well as his own 5 children. He also held classes and taught farming techniques. His wife taught housekeeping.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark--1970.