Historical Marker

The Engel Store

Historical marker location:
Bergheim, Texas
( from Boerne take SH 46 about 10 miles to store in Bergheim - now called Bergheim General Store.)
Marker installed: 1983
Marker size: 18" x 28"

A native of Austria, Andreas Engel (b. 1864) migrated to Texas in 1885. In 1900 he purchased land here and built a cotton gin, around which an agricultural community developed. When the area post office was moved here in 1901 and Engel became postmaster, he named the town Bergheim, German for "home in the hills". He and his wife Eva opened a store at this site in 1903. Their son Alfred added later services, including a cedar yard, to meet community needs and aid local development. A symbol of Bergheim's pioneers, the store has remained in the Engel family.

(1983)

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.

German immigrants immigration markets, mercantiles
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Kendall County, Texas, located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1862. Named after George Wilkins Kendall, a journalist and sheep rancher, the county was initially settled by German immigrants who were drawn to the area for its fertile land and abundant water sources.

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.

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.