Historical Marker

William Pfluger Home

Historical marker location:
1512 E Pflugerville Pkwy, Pflugerville, Texas
( N of E. Pflugerville Pkwy, between Mammoth Cave Blvd. and Dessau Rd.)
Marker installed: 1985

A native of Germany and Confederate veteran, William Pfluger (1842-1923) bought this land in 1871, just before he married Franziska Sternberg (1851-1931). The limestone house was built in 1875 and the frame section added later. A rancher, Pfluger and also built a cotton gin, Pflugerville's first bank, and other commercial structures. He deeded land for the railroad and Lutheran Church. In 1931 his son Martin (1880-1945) inherited the residence, home to five generations of the family. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1985.

In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.