Region: Hill Country
Settled in 1846 by immigrant families, led by John O. Meusebach from Germany.
Although the settlement was on the Comanche frontier, the Meusebach-Comanche
Treaty of the next year established lasting peace. Many older buildings retain
traditional German and frontier styles with more than 700 historical structures
in the historic district and many are a part of the National Register of
Historic Places. German is still spoken occasionally, and old customs are
regularly observed: Schuetzenfests (marksmanship tournaments), Oktoberfest,
Zweite Weihnachten and Kinderfest. Visitors are attracted by scenic beauty,
European atmosphere, historic landmarks, excellent fall and winter hunting, and
famous bread and pastries. It also is the birthplace of Fleet Adm. Chester W.
Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet during World War II.
Fredericksburg offers outstanding opportunities for sportsmen to hunt native
and exotic species of animals. Hunting leases are available on ranches
throughout the area.
Fredericksburg Trade Days, held the third weekend of every month, features
more than 300 vendors offering antiques, collectibles, tools, crafts, food,
entertainment and more. Open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Fri.–Sat. and 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Sun. On
U.S. 290 East, across from Wildseed Farms. Parking charge. 830/990-4900.
Approximately 40 percent of all Texas peaches are grown in Fredericksburg and
surrounding Gillespie County, with more than 1,400 acres of commercial
production within the county. Peach season typically runs mid to late May–early
August.
The new agri-tourism stars for Fredericksburg and Gillespie County are grape
growing and wine production. Nine wineries now call Gillespie County home, with
many open seven days a week. A wine-tasting trail, based out of
Fredericksburg––Wine Road 290––is made easy since most wineries are on or near
U.S. 290. For information on peaches, wine or area cuisine: www.visitfredericksburgtx.org.
The city also was home to the first volkssporting event ever held in the U.S.
in 1976, and the city's Pilgrimage Routes consist of three different sanctioned
routes that can be walked year-round.
For nearby points of interest, see Kerrville, Luckenbach, Stonewall and Johnson City.