New Braunfels in Comal County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The New Braunfels Academy
Photographed By James Hulse, April 11, 2022
1. The New Braunfels Academy Marker
The first German settlers here in the 1840s were assured by their sponsor - The Society for the Protection of German Immigrants to Texas - that schools would be provided in their colony. The society hired its first teacher in 1845, and classes began that August. State legislation in 1854 authorized the creation of county school districts, and the city of New Braunfels became Comal County School District One. But in 1856 the legislature retracted school laws supporting local districts and special school taxes.
In response, the city persuaded the legislature to create the New Braunfels Academy in 1858 and to grant authority for a city property tax and tuition to fund the school, thus making the academy one of the first tax funded schools in Texas. Public school property and equipment were transferred to the academy, including the 1856 schoolhouse on this site and textbooks in German and English.
The academy provided education and examined students and teachers alike through 1871. That year the state finally established an education system, and a public school occupied the building here. The academy trustees fulfilled
Photographed By James Hulse, April 11, 2022
2. The New Braunfels Academy and Marker
this page online
Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 5386.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1845.
Location. 29° 42.051′ N, 98° 7.729′ W. Marker is in New Braunfels, Texas, in Comal County. Marker is at the intersection of West Mill Street and North Academy Avenue, on the right when traveling south on West Mill Street. The marker is located in front of the main school building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 430 West Mill Street, New Braunfels TX 78130, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old New Braunfels High School (a few steps from this marker); Site of New Braunfels Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); First United Methodist Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); International & Great Northern Railroad in New Braunfels (about 700 feet away); Louis Henne Co. (approx. 0.2 miles away); New Braunfels 1918 Fire Station (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Grotto (approx. 0.2 miles away); Plumeyer Bakery Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Braunfels.
Also see . . .
Photographed By James Hulse, April 11, 2022
3. The New Braunfels Academy Building
Photographed By James Hulse, April 11, 2022
4. The view of the New Braunfels Academy and Marker from across the street
Credits. This page was last revised on April 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 14, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
