Texas Historical Marker #00377

Fred Metzger House. From Application for Texas Historical Building Medallion: Brick, partial two-story, inner walls also solid brick, hand-carved staircase, other hand-carved interior features, tongue-and-grooved wood ceilings. #377

?, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #01934

Fohn-Bless Store. Store-residence built in D'Hanis about 1878 by John Fohn (1839-91), a native of Prussia. In addition to a general mercantile store, the structure was also the site of D'Hanis elections and a Justice of the Peace Court. In 1897, Rolf Frerichs (1833-1913) purchased the building from the Fohn Estate and moved it to this location. Frerichs' son-in-law, C.J. Bless (1864-1944), operated a store here until 1939. Medina Electric Cooperative occupied the building until 1963. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1974. #1934

?, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #02549

Hondo Methodist Church. Early Methodist settlers in this area worshipped under a live oak tree on the banks of the Hondo Creek. The Methodists organized as a church in 1857 and held services in a log hut. A church/Masonic lodge was built on ten acres of land given to the church in 1859. Circuit riding ministers held services once a month. After the congregation moved to this site in 1890, newer buildings replaced outgrown structures. The church maintains its heritage of ministries for its members and a variety of community missions. (1997) #2549

?, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03242

Masonic Cemetery of Hondo Valley Lodge No. 252, A.F. & A.M.. In 1859, a decade after Medina County was created, Freemasons and others in the New Fountain Settlement built a 2-story stone church-lodge hall at this site. Hondo Valley Lodge No. 252, A.F. & A.M., was chartered in 1860. The Masonic Cemetery was opened here in 1864 when Junior Warden Rubin Smith was killed by Indians. Masons and members of their families rest here in 22 graves. By an unexplained circumstance, Masonic emblem is upside down on 2 headstones. Hondo Valley Lodge, demised in 1883, was parent of Devine Lodge No. 590 and Hondo City Lodge No. 756, A.F. & A.M. (1973) #3242

CR 456, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #04606

Schuehle-Saathoff House. Henry Schuehle immigrated from Germany and purchased land near here. He owned this house, built in 1850. In 1900 the house was bought by S.H. Saathoff, whose family came to Texas from Germany in 1846 and helped found Quihi. Saathoff family members were active in public education, and lived here about 75 years. The house, a one and one half story cottage built with native limestone, represents the vernacular tradition of 19th century German settlers. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1996 #4606

?, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #05040

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Constructed of seco brick in 1912, this is the 2nd church structure to serve the Catholic community of Hondo. Designed by the San Antonio architect Fred Bowen Gaeshen, it was built by Alfred R. Wottlin during the pastorage of Rev. J.J. Meyers. Used for all worship services until 1969, it was rededicated as a parish hall in 1972. The brick detailing, round arches and tripartite windows are typical features of the Romanesque Revival style. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark -- 1992 #5040

2102 Ave J, Hondo, TX, United States

Early New Fountain community Ebenezer Methodist Church of New Fountain Immigrants from Germany and Alsace Lorraine settled New Fountain and vicinity, during the late 1840's. New Fountain was located somewhat centrally on the Verde Creek about 2 miles west of Quihi in an area known as Soldaten Kemp (Soldiers Camp). In 1858, Reverend F. A. Schaper organized a Methodist Society known as the Ebenezer of New Fountain. There wee 15 charter members that began this organization at the home of John and Aaike Weimers. Frequently, meetings were held under the famed "Weimers Oak" in their backyard. The first sanctuary built was a small, pole style building approximately 16 x 20 feet with a crude adjacent shelter for the parsonage. It was located a short distance southwest of the present sanctuary, 0.35 miles south of FM 2676 on CR 451. The building was 100 feet west of the road facing toward the east, approximately 150 feet south of the present day 1733 CR 451. The building also served as the area school with the pastor as the school teacher. When heavy rains flooded the area sloughs and creeks, water damaged the building and washed away part of the nearby cemetery. Time and weather destroyed all remains of this first sanctuary. Muennink Cotton Gin The Muennink Cotton Gin was constructed in the late 1800's, about one hundred yards south of the first sanctuary for the Ebenezer Methodist Church of New Fountain towards the Verde Creek, 0.04 miles south of FM 2676 on CR451. The gin was one of the first in the county, adding greatly to the progress of agriculture and prosperity of farmers in the area. Prior to the construction, the cotton had to be hauled to Cibolo for baling. The farmers agreed to plant 200 acres of cotton if Friedrich Muennink would build a gin. The gin became a reality and in 1870 more than a bale of cotton per acre was produced. The gin is said to have been the first building with a tin roof, electricity and telephone. The lumber of the building was hauled from San Antonio. The story goes that during the construction C. V. Neumann and two other men were being watched by Indians. The Indians surrounded the building and shot arrows at it. The sound of the arrows hitting the tin roof scared the Indians off. The building had been remodeled in 1891. The advent of the boll weevil halted the production of cotton in the area during the early 1900's. The historic building was destroyed in 1983 by a windstorm.

, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03068

Leinweber Building. Built in 1907 for Ernest Roland Leinweber (1869-1922), a prominent Hondo businessman, this three-story commercial building was constructed by prolific South Texas contractor Gus Birkner, who also participated in the construction of the Texas State Capitol. Built with locally produced brick, the structure features some influences of. Classical and Romanesque styles of architecture. The Hondo landmark has housed a variety of professional and commercial offices. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1986 #3068

?, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #16070

Medina County. Medina County, Formed from Bexar County. Created Februaru 12, 1848, organized August 7, 1848. Named for the river which traverses the county. County Seat, Castroville, 1848-1892, Hondo since. Primarily a farming and ranching area. #16070

?, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #12144

Hondo. Spanish explorers passed this way several times in the centuries preceding Anglo settlement of the area. The original village that would become Hondo was situated on "El Arroyo Hondo," named by the Spanish. Permanent settlers to the area began arriving with Henri Castro in the 1840s. The Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio (GH&SA) Railroad began to consider the busy village on Hondo Creek for the location of a depot in the late 19th century. They ultimately chose 188 acres five miles west of the town. The first deeds were executed in 1881. A post office for Hondo City was approved in 1882. Knowing that the county seat might be moved from Castroville to a more central location, the GH&SA donated land for a courthouse in 1883. The county seat was relocated to Hondo City in 1892. In the early 20th century the town, by then known simply as Hondo, developed as a trade center and cotton shipping point. Oil was discovered in the area in the 1920s. The population grew steadily with commerce; by 1940 it reached 2,500. The town's population exploded in 1942 when an Army Air Corps base was built to the northwest. Hondo was incorporated that year and the federal government provided educational funds and installed a sewage system to accommodate the boom. At its peak Hondo had an estimated population of 12,000. The base was closed in 1946, but continued to operate as a civilian pilot training center through the 1950s. Hondo grew steadily in the late 20th century. Its population in 1998 was more than 8,000. The community continues to thrive. (1999) Incise on base: Dr. John and Mrs. Gail Meyer, J. A. Guedea Rios #12144

1600 Avenue M, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #05451

The Wiemers Oak. The land on which this live oak stands was purchased by German migrant Johann Wiemers, who came here in 1854. The Rev. John Schaper held services under the tree and converted Johann and his wife Aalke to Methodism. They became charter members of the new Fountain Methodist Church. The first church building was erected near this site. This tree also shaded the Wiemers and their neighbors as they met for reunions or used a mule-drawn press in molasses making. The land was inherited by Wiemers' descendants, who built a home near the ancient oak. (1977) #5451

?, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03580

New Fountain United Methodist Church. This region, known as Soldaten Kemp (soldiers' camp) for its history as a rendezvous point for frontier military patrols, freighters and others on the San Antonio Road, was home to many German immigrants by the mid-19th century. The Rev. John Schaper organized a Methodist congregation here in 1858 and a church building was erected by 1860. Church members John and Aalke Wiemers and Friedrich and Antje Muennink deeded land for a new church building in 1871. Using native stone, pastor and stonemason Jacob Bader built the new church with help from his parishioners. For many years it was the community's only meeting hall. It was enlarged in 1900-01 during the pastorate of the Rev. C. A. Lehmberg. (1975, 2000) #3580

2980 FM 2676, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #04988

Southern Pacific Depot of Hondo. The first rail line reached this area in 1881 and town lots were sold that year for Hondo City. The line was built by the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway. It connected with the Southern Pacific System building east from California. The railroad was vital to the early growth of Hondo, but rail traffic began to decline in the 1940s. The last passenger train, pulled by engine No. 6, left the Hondo Station on June 8, 1958. The Southern Pacific Depot was moved to the present location in 1970 from the original site, seventeen blocks east. 1980 #4988

?, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #00332

Battle of the Arroyo Hondo. In 1842 the Mexican Army launched three invasions into Texas to reclaim territory lost during the Texas Revolution. Col. Rafael Vasquez's Army briefly occupied San Antonio in March, and in July Texans fought with Col. Antonio Canales' forces near San Patricio. When Gen. Adrian Woll's Mexican forces advanced through South Texas and captured San Antonio on September 11, Texan volunteers gathered for battle. More than 200 men under the command of Matthew Caldwell assembled at Salado Creek six miles east of the city, where on September 18 they fought with the Mexicn Cavalry. With losses on both sides, the Mexicans returned briefly to San Antonio before beginning their march toward the border. Additional Texan forces marshaled to meet Woll's Army, and on September 21 another battle occurred at Hondo Creek (Arroyo Hondo) near this site. Although Texan and Mexican accounts of the engagement varied considerably, reliable sources indicate that the Texans, plagued by dissension and a lack of clear leadership, failed in their attempt to rout the Mexican forces. The Mexicans returned home and the Texas government, in response to the 1842 invasions, mounted the ill-fated Somervell Expedition later that year. 1992 #332

?, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #01097

Cow Camp Massacre on Hondo Creek. During the mid-1800s the Texas Hill Country was the site of many hostile encounters, some deadly, between pioneer immigrants whose permanent settlements ran counter to area Native Americans accustomed to unrestrained hunting and gathering. One such encounter occurred near this site on January 27, 1866. Three young men from the area, August Rothe, age 19, George Miller, age 16, and Hubert Weynand, age 12, left their homes near D'Hanis to recover stray livestock, an important task for area farmers and ranchers. They set up camp on Hondo Creek and began the "cow hunt." On the morning of the third day Rothe and Weynand were returning to camp when suddenly Miller appeared running toward them with eight Indians in pursuit. Unable to untie their horses in time to escape on horseback, both Rothe and Miller ran for their lives up a hill; Weynand attempted his escape on horseback. The encounter resulted in Miller's death, Weynand's capture, and Rothe's heroic escape. Weynand was never seen nor heard from again. A scouting party later found Miller's mutilated body but were unable to apprehend the attackers. Contemporary author A.J. Sowell wrote of these events in his book, "Early Settlers and Indian Fighters of Southwest Texas." 1994 #1097

?, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #05639

Vandenburg. Located on the banks of Verde Creek (Arroyo Verde), Vandenburg, founded in 1846, was one of the colonies established by Empresario Henri Castro. Immigrants settled nearby and began farming. They dug a trench eight feet wide by six feet deep to protect them and keep their cattle nearby. Worship services conducted by visiting ministers were held in homes or under an arbor. Drought in 1847-49 caused crops to fail. Many settlers died from cholera. Most families moved to other communities by the 1860s. Two cemeteries are among the few physical remnants of Vandenburg. (1996) #5639

?, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03313

Medina County Courthouse. Medina County was founded in 1848 with Castroville as the County Seat. In 1892, as the result of an election, the seat of county administration was relocated to Hondo City (now Hondo). The commissioners court immediately ordered a courthouse to be built at the new county seat. During the administration of County Judge B. Brocks, a building contract was let to the construction firm of Martin, Byrne & Johnson. Limestone with a slightly yellowish cast was secured about six miles north of town from the ranch of Joe Decker. Completed in 1893, the new courthouse provided office space for the county judge, tax assessor, treasurer, county attorney and district clerk, and featured a large district courtroom on the second floor. Between 1939 amd 1942, changes to the 1893 courthouse were made, including the addition of two two-story lungs. Stone for the lungs was secured again from limestone deposits on the Recker Ranch. The classical revival courthouse exhibits some influences of the Italianate style. Prominent features include the rosticated stone walls, classical portico over the entry way, a broken triangular pediment, and stone hold molds with incised eastlake designs. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1984 #3313

?, Hondo, TX, United States

Texas Historical Marker #03418

Mission Valley. Following Texas Emancipation in 1865, many freed slaves remained in this area on their former masters' farms. By 1869 blacks had organized a church and a school on the north bank of Hondo Creek (about 2 mi. N). Beginning in 1876, landowner L.L. White (d. 1889) sold small farm plats on the north and south banks of Hondo Creek exclusively to blacks. White, an abolitionist before the Civil War, was a native of Massachusetts and settler in Henri Castro's colony. The community on the south bank was named Mission Valley by Austin Grant, one of the first settlers. Residents on both banks of Hondo Creek established common facilities within walking distance of both settlements. Before 1881 their church building housed both Methodist and Baptist congregations and the school. Cottonwood Cemetery overlooks the creek, its oldest tombstone dates 1886. Emancipation Oak was the site of Emancipation Day pilgrimages on June 19. Many of the settlers and the Methodist church moved to the new railroad town of Hondo (2 mi. SW) after 1881. The Baptist church moved to Hondo in 1904. Descendants of the first settlers lived at Mission Valley until 1942, when a U.S. Army air field was built here. The site was made a Hondo city park after 1948. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986. #3418

?, Hondo, TX, United States