New Braunfels in Comal County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Site of an Early Mill and Factory

Photographed By James Hulse, November 12, 2022

1. Site of an Early Mill and Factory Marker

Inscription. Established in 1850 by
John F. Torrey
1821••1893

Pioneer promoter of Texas industry •
He operated a flour, grist and saw
mill, a sash, door and blind factory
(1850), a cotton factory (1863) and
the first woolen factory in Texas •
with indomitable spirit he rebuilt
the plant, after partial destruction
by tornado and floods, until all
was swept away

Erected 1936 by State of Texas. (Marker Number 2779.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Texas 1936 Centennial Markers and Monuments series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 29° 42.42′ N, 98° 7.384′ W. Marker is in New Braunfels, Texas, in Comal County. Marker is on East Mill Street, 0.1 miles east of North Gilbert Avenue, in the median. The marker is located on the west bank of the Comal River at the New Braunfels Tube Chute Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 499 East 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. The Eggeling Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mill Street Telegraph Station (approx. 0.2 miles away); August Dietz Cottage

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); New Braunfels (approx. ¼ mile away); Comal County Courthouse (approx. ¼ mile away); Eiband and Fischer General Mercantile (approx. ¼ mile away); Comal County, C.S.A. (approx. 0.3 miles away); Comal County World War I Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Braunfels.

Also see . . . Torrey, John Frink (1817–1893). Texas State Historical Association

John Frink Torrey, trader and manufacturer, was born in Ashford, Connecticut, on April 14, 1817, the son of Jacob N. and Laura (Kilburn) Torrey. He moved to Texas, probably in 1838, established himself in Houston, and, along with his brothers, David Kilburn and Thomas Stebbins Torrey, started a merchandising firm called John F. Torrey and Brothers, which dealt extensively in the Indian trade from 1838 to 1848. In Houston John met and became closely associated with Sam Houston, and the Torrey Indian trade became vital to the success of Houston's Indian policy. Torrey also started the John Torrey Jewelry and Fancy Goods Store, which remained open from 1840 to 1844.
Photographed By James Hulse, November 12, 2022

2. The view of the Site of an Early Mill and Factory Marker next to the Comal River.
Another venture, Torrey's Tavern, stood on the site of the present town of San Marcos. There hotel guests were served crackers, sardines, and whiskey, while Torrey's goats protected them from snakes during the night. In 1843 Torrey went with an Indian commission deep into Indian country to ask the hostile Comanches to come to a peace council. In 1844 he contracted with John O. Meusebach to transport German immigrants from Indianola to New Braunfels.

(Submitted on November 15, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The Tube Chute on the Comal River as seen from the marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, November 12, 2022

3. The Tube Chute on the Comal River as seen from the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 122 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 15, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.