Walk Through the History of Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg’s rich history, which stretches back over 175 years to its founding on May 8, 1846, by 120 German immigrants, is most evident today in the 700 historically significant structures located in the town’s nationally recognized historic district.
The Historic Walking Tour includes Museums
Museums
Charles Henry Nimitz Sr. purchased the above property in 1855 and five years later, the Nimitz Hotel was hosting stagecoach travelers and became a center for community events. The steamboat facade was added in the 1870s when the hotel expanded. Today, the space houses the Admiral Nimitz Gallery of the National Museum of the Pacific War, honoring Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, who was born in Fredericksburg.
National Museum of the Pacific War
The Admiral Nimitz Gallery, George Bush Gallery of the Pacific War, the Plaza of the Presidents, Japanese Garden of Peace, Memorial Walk, and the Pacific Combat Zone are all part of the National Museum of the Pacific War, which was tabbed as the fifth-best history museum in the United States in 2020 by USA Today readers. This Smithsonian-affiliate museum is dedicated to all those who served in the Pacific War during World War II. See displays of some of the most notable aspects and events of WWII in the Pacific. Admission: $24 adults; $16 seniors; $7 military w/ID; $10 kids 6+; 5 and under free.
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Vereins Kirche Museum
The Vereins Kirche Museum, a well-known landmark, is located in the center of Marktplatz and is Fredericksburg’s most iconic structure. Inside this “Society’s Church” is an all-new collection of artifacts, paintings and photos depicting Fredericksburg’s and the building's interesting history. The VK also has an excellent selection of books concentrating on Texana, with a focus on the settlement and history of the Texas Hill Country. The shop stocks a great selection of cookbooks including those published by Fredericksburg's PTA and the Wrede Country School. Additionally, there are children's activity books and vintage toys and games as well as postcards, and greeting and note cards, including those depicting many of Fredericksburg's historic structures by D. Fromme.
Restaurants & Shops
The Priess Building/Keidel Memorial Hospital (pictured above) was constructed by Charles F. Priess in 1883 using limestone from a quarry off of Bear Mountain Road. The building started as a general merchandise and hardware store on the main level with living quarters above. In 1938, the building was expanded and converted into a hospital by Dr. Victor Keidel. Today, the building holds Rathskeller on the bottom level and Der Kuchen Laden on the main level.
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Rathskeller
Rathskeller Basement Restaurant - full service breakfast, lunch and dinner. Great menu plus daily specials, to go orders welcome, and a private meeting room. Live music Friday and Saturday nights. Located in the basement of the Historic Keidel Hospital Building.
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Der Kuchen Laden
Der Kuchen Laden is all about inspiring the little chef in all of us. One step inside and you'll see why people call it the candy store for kitchen geeks. Located in one of Fredericksburg, Texas' most historic buildings, it has a charm like no other. Enjoy small, cozy rooms packed floor to ceiling with everything from cookie cutters to small appliances. There is a veteran sales staff that feel more like friends than hired help. They'll make it so enjoyable to shop that you'll want to come back time and time again! Come in and let them inspire the little chef in YOU!
Lodging & Churches
Another one of the town’s most unique historical features are Sunday Houses, which date back to the town’s founding. Immigrants received a town lot and a 10-acre plot of land in the countryside for farming. Many settlers built small, simple houses on that town lot while maintaining more permanent homes on their farmland. These Sunday Houses were specifically for the purpose of having a place to conduct Saturday business in town, socialize and attend church.
Metzger Sunday House
The Metzger family built the Metzger Sunday House in 1898s. Located just one block from Main Street in the Historic District guests will delight in seeing The Metzger Sunday House along with two other original Sunday Houses all lined in a row. Typical of the old Sunday Houses a small covered porch with swing and comfy chair greets you upon arrival. The main room does double duty as a bedroom and sitting area. A queen-size bed is the focal point of the room. The antique velvet sofa and chair is comfortably arranged around the television. The kitchen is fully equipped for your use and delightfully appointed with rich, bright colors. A table for four is in the center of this spacious kitchen. The bath has a tub and shower.
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St. Mary's Catholic Church
St. Mary's Catholic Church began with a handful of German immigrants in 1846. The famous twin towers of the two churches, the Marienkirche (1861) and the new St. Mary’s (1908), have long been beacons of faith, hope, and love in Fredericksburg and throughout the Texas Hill Country. Planning a visit to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fredericksburg? A short guided tour is held after the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Mass every Sunday. Tours are also available by appointment. On June 21, 1983, St. Mary's Catholic Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Historic Sites Around Fredericksburg
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Pioneer Museum
Experience the rich German heritage of Gillespie County. This 3.5-acre museum complex contains superb examples of early German structures and artifacts. Several times a year, the Pioneer Museum will hold events staffed by docents in period dress that are fun for the whole family including storytelling, rope making, soap making, sheep shearing and more. Prior arrangements required for special tours of other historic homes and sites owned by the Gillespie County Historical Society. The museum is nationally accredited from the American Alliance of Museums.
Luckenbach Texas
Luckenbach Texas, where "Everybody's Somebody", was established as a trading post in 1849. Made famous by "Willie, Waylon & The Boys," Luckenbach Texas reflects an eclectic mix of its early history, the larger than life persona of Hondo Crouch and an unrivaled legacy of great music that makes everyone "Somebody" in Luckenbach. Now a great place to visit, sit back under the old 500-year-old oak trees, relax and listen to live music. Luckenbach Texas is home to a historic dance hall still in use every weekend, live music daily, a General Store and a bar.
Fort Martin Scott State Historic Site
Take a self-guided walk at the site of a pre-Civil War (1848) military outpost to learn about one of the first frontier Army forts in Texas. Enter through the Fort's gate or through the Former Texas Rangers site. Owned by the City of Fredericksburg and currently managed by the Texas Historical Commission. The fort was in operation from 1848 to 1853 by the U.S. Army. Texas Rangers used the site as a camp, both before and after military occupation. During the Civil War, the Confederate States Army occupied the fort for a brief period. Later abandoned and then purchased and used by the Braeutigam family as a farm, the property was purchased by the City of Fredericksburg in 1949. A new nature trail has been built and begins on the north side of Fort Martin Scott and winds along Baron's Creek for about half a mile where you can see wildlife and wildflowers. At the trail head, there is a bird blind built by The Fredericksburg Rotary Club. With the loop trail at the Fort, the total trail length is approximately one mile long.
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Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park
LBJ Ranch District The National Park Service operates the LBJ Ranch, which is an International Dark Sky Park, and offers public access to the ranch, Texas White House, LBJ’s birthplace, Johnson family cemetery, old Junction School, LBJ’s grandparents’ home and ranch show barn. Be sure to stop first at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site for a map and a free driving permit. Gates close at 4:30 p.m. daily and grounds close at 5 p.m. daily. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TEXAS WHITE HOUSE, KLEIN SHOP AND THE HANGAR VISITOR CENTER ARE CLOSED FOR RENOVATION UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Johnson City District Located in Johnson City, this National Historical Park offers a Visitor Center with exhibits and films on LBJ and Lady Bird, the Boyhood Home, an education building, and the historic Johnson Settlement. The Visitor Center is open until 5 p.m.