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In February of this year, we published an article called “Boerne Then & Now: The Evolution of This Iconic Suburb”. In this blog, we took a peek back at the beginnings of our beloved town, from Native American tribes and German settlers all the way to the population boom. After pouring over historical accounts, timelines, and old photographs, we came to one undeniable conclusion: Boerne is unlike any other Texas Hill Country town.
Image Courtesy of Hill Country Explore
Below is a condensed timeline of Boerne (adapted from the City of Boerne’s “Area History” page) and a few vintage gems!
1849 - German colonists from Bettina camped on the north side of Cibolo Creek, about a mile west of present-day Boerne. They called their new community "Tusculum," after Cicero's home in ancient Rome.
1852 - Gustav Theissen and John James laid out the town's site and changed the name to Boerne in honor of Ludwig Börne, a German poet and publicist.
1856 - A post office was established with August Staffell as postmaster. William Dietert established Boerne’s first business, a gristmill and sawmill on the Cibolo Creek. Soon the town was in possession of a blacksmith shop, a livery stable, a butcher shop, a saloon, and a general store.
1862 - Boerne was chosen to be the county seat by a margin of 67 votes
1884 - Boerne boasted five hotels, assorted businesses, and 250 residents. Cotton, wool, and grain were the principal shipments, but timber, cedar posts, and building stone were also profitable commodities.
1887 -The arrival of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway brought increased economic opportunity
1909 - Boerne residents voted to incorporate, establishing a mayor-alderman form of city government. The Boerne Independent School District is also formed.
1930’s - The Great Depression caused the population to fall from an estimated 2,000 in 1928 to 1,117 in 1931.
1950’s - Boerne becomes a “bedroom community” suburb for many San Antonio employees, increasing in popularity once more.
1960’s - Present: Growth and development caused the population to rise to 2,400 by 1970, and 4,274 by 1990. The 2010 census measured over 10,000 residents...a number that only continues to increase!
Vintage Boerne Police Car:
Image Courtesy of My San Antonio
Today’s Boerne Police Vehicle:
Image Courtesy of the City of Boerne
The Post Office in 1908
Image courtesy of the Boerne Area Historical Preservation Society
The Boerne Post Office today:
Image Courtesy of the Post Mark Collectors Club (PMCC) collection.
Vintage Photo of Boerne Firemen:
Image Courtesy of Kendall County History
Boerne Firemen Today:
Image Courtesy of Hill Country Weekly
A leisurely Sunday picnic on the banks of the Cibolo Creek (circa 1900’s):
Image Courtesy of LittleColonel.com
A modern stroll through River Road Park:
Vintage Berges Fest Fun:
Image Courtesy of My San Antonio
Miss Berges Fest Competition:
Image Courtesy of ActiveRain.com
A Boerne Home from way back when:
Image Courtesy of TexGenWeb.org
A Boerne Home today:
To this day, Boerne remains the unique in the face of a growing Hill Country culture! The area’s small-town charm, historic downtown, and lush views have clearly set it apart from the rest. Like we said in our initial blog, it’s no surprise San Antonio Magazine recently featured Boerne as one of the Top 10 Best Places to Live in the SA metro area.
If you feel the same way, contact one of our professional REALTOR®s today to see how your story can fit together with Boerne’s!
