Historical Marker

Durst House

Historical marker location:
Fredericksburg, Texas
( take US 87 NW 8 miles to Cherry Mtn. Loop Rd.; then east on Cherry Mtn. Rd. 1.8 miles to Wandell-Ahrens Rd., then north on Wendell .4 miles to site)
Marker installed: 1991
Marker size: Medallion & Plate

Marker
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Carl Durst (1851-1923) moved to this community in 1873 and built a one-room cabin. After marrying Emma Ruegner about 1877, he made a small addition. The Dursts donated land for the nearby Cherry Mountain School, and teachers often lived in the 1896 stone addition to this house. From 1912 to 1926, Herman Durst, Carl's cousin, owned the property. The Durst house is an evolutionary structure reflecting the changing needs of its occupants.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1991

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.

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Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
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Gillespie County, TX has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its founding in 1848. It was named after Robert Addison Gillespie, a soldier who fought in the Mexican-American War. The county was originally part of the Fisher-Miller Land Grant, but settlers began arriving in the area in the early 1840s.

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.

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