August Faltin Building
Historical marker location:Prussian native Friedrich August Faltin (1830-1905) moved to Comfort in 1856 and purchased the general merchandise business of Theodor Goldbeck, located at this site. Trained in his father's store, which had been established about 1818 in Danzig, Prussia, now Gdansk, Poland, Faltin became a leading merchant of the Texas Hill Country. In addition, his 1869 partnership with Capt. Charles Schreiner of Kerrville became the nucleus of the vast Schreiner enterprises. By the late 1870s Faltin's business, which included banking and post office services, had outgrown the structure at this site and he had architect Alfred Giles of San Antonio design a new building. Constructed by the noted builder J. H. Kampmann, the Victorian Italian edifice was completed in 1879. Later run by Faltin's sons Richard and August S., the business was sold in 1907 to their brother-in-law Dan Holekamp and his sons Otto and Edgar. That same year an addition to the building was completed. Also designed by Giles, it included second floor space for meetings of fraternal and civic groups. In 1968 the property was sold back to the Faltin family. The August Faltin Building remains as a symbol of the area's early commercial growth.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1982
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 University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
The early settlers of Kendall County were primarily farmers and ranchers, taking advantage of the region's favorable climate and ample natural resources. They developed a thriving agricultural industry, cultivating crops such as cotton, corn, and wheat, as well as raising livestock such as cattle and sheep. The county's first city, Boerne, was founded in 1852 and quickly became a hub of commerce and trade.
In the late 1800s, Kendall County experienced a period of growth and prosperity, with the arrival of the railroad in 1887 spurring further development. The railroad brought new opportunities for transportation and trade, connecting Kendall County to larger cities and markets. This led to an expansion of industries such as ranching, farming, and mining, as well as the establishment of new businesses and services.
Over the years, Kendall County has preserved its historical heritage through the preservation of historic buildings and landmarks. Many historic sites, such as the Kendall County Courthouse and the Agricultural Heritage Museum, offer visitors a glimpse into the county's past. Today, Kendall County continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty, diverse outdoor activities, and a rich cultural heritage.
Kendall County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Kendall County, Texas.
- 1856: Kendall County established from parts of Blanco, Comal, and Kerr counties.
- 1857: The county seat is designated as Boerne.
- 1861-1865: Kendall County residents serve in the Civil War.
- 1870: First public school is established in Boerne.
- 1872: The Boerne Village Band, the oldest continuously active German band in the world, is formed.
- 1881: The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway extends to Boerne.
- 1890: Electric lights are installed in Boerne.
- 1930s: The Great Depression affects the county's agriculture-dependent economy.
- 1987: The Cibolo Nature Center is established in Boerne.
- 2007: Kendall County celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary.