Comal County Fair
The annual Comal County Fair represents tradition and community in New Braunfels, where it has been an important event since the early 1890s. The fair emphasizes agriculture, animal husbandry, home economic skills, arts, entertainment, patriotism, organizations and local industry. In 1892, the opportunity for the first fair arose when the city hospital, the Krankenhaus, held its dedication and wanted a fair to take place on hospital grounds as a hospital fundraiser. In 1893, the Comal County Fair Association organized with Harry Landa elected as president. The first Comal County Fair was held in 1894 on Landa’s Pasture near Landa Park and would be held there for the next four years.
In 1898, the association purchased eleven acres on the Guadalupe River in Comaltown to host the fair. The initial acreage was sold in 1905 to the city with a lease agreement with the fair association for use of the land that is still in effect today. In 1923, the fair association reorganized into a corporation and purchased additional adjacent acreage from the Braunfels subdivision. The fair has reflected the times, scaling back activities during WWI, the Great Depression, and WWII. The 1946 fair celebrated the end of WWII and also the New Braunfels centennial. The centennial was celebrated a year late due to the war. The fair has always been about the people from fair queens, rodeo queens, marching bands, fair floats and the parade to carnivals, rodeos and horse racing. The Comal County Fair is the only community event where all schools and many local businesses close to encourage participation. Today the Comal County Fair has become one of the largest county fairs in Texas
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.
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
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.
Comal County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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