Robert Penniger left us a rare gift by writing and compiling this history of Fredericksburg from its founding in 1846 to the Jubilee celebration in 1896. Penniger was the publisher of the Wochenblatt, the towns newspaper that likely began publishing as early as 1871. As a newspaper man, he knew there were no better sources than people who actually live the story giving their firsthand accounts. This book is a journal of collective memories contributed by those who experienced the hardships of immigration to Texas from their beloved homeland.
One hundred seventy-five years later, we are perhaps tempted to think casually about their success in founding this unlikely German colony on the edge of the brutal frontier. But as these pages reveal, from their first steps on to the first ships that brought them across the Atlantic to the coast of Texas, then inland to New Braunfels, and finally to the 10.000 acres that would become Fredericksburg, it was never a foregone conclusion they would succeed. But succeed they did, turning Fredericksburg into a thriving community where thousands live, and hundreds of thousands visit.
Penniger's book tells this story and turns our memories form casual to inspiring. We are much indebted to those pioneers whose story appears here for demonstrating what can be done with courage, wisdom and the tenacity to seek freedom and better lives, and we are indebted to Penniger and his fellow writers for leaving us this record as a reminder.
Paperback: 303pages
Publisher: Gillespie County Historical Society
Language: English