Off the beaten cattle trail, between the Texas state capital of Austin and San Antonio is the tidy German town of Fredericksburg. Who knew? We knew everything in Texas is BIG, that Texas is its own country, and it takes a week to drive through, but biergartens? We had no idea there is such a German influence in this part of the country, deep in the heart of Texas. We had to stop for the night.
Historically, Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 by the Prince of Prussia~Frederick. It’s also the home of World War II hero, Naval Admiral Chester Nimitz. They named an aircraft carrier after him. Need a couple hours to kill after a few beers and some schnitzel? Muster up the courage and visit the Museum of the Pacific War.
The town is also the home of Texas German, a dialect spoken by the first generations of German settlers who initially refused to learn English. We didn’t hear it spoken unless “Willkommen Y’all” is it, but they do speak Christmas, thrift stores, and beer here.
A walk down main street is a bit reminiscent of its sister city of Montabaur, Germany. I’ve never been there but it sure looks like a German town I’ve been in, Oberammergau.
And oddly, we never thought we’d ever see this bumper sticker on a Texans’ truck…
We thoroughly enjoyed this little town and the FREE continental breakfast our hotel hosts provided for us. Their family settled here from Eastern India and, oddly enough, do not speak German or Texan.
Fredericksburg~German heritage with a spoonful of Texas hospitality?
