Comal County Was Founded by German Immigrants in 1846

Several hundred German settlers reached the Comal Springs country in 1845. Led by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, they founded New Braunfels on March 21 and drew lots in a town laid out around Main Plaza.

The town became the seat when Texas formed Comal County from Bexar County in 1846. By 1850, New Braunfels was said to be the fourth-largest city in Texas. Bakers, smiths, brewers, millers, saddlers, and other trades were already at work.

The old story is still visible at street level. Main Plaza holds the town plan together, German names remain on the map, and early craft traditions grew into buildings, businesses, music, and food that still mark the county.