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

Comal Cemetery

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 1, 2026

1. Comal Cemetery Marker

Inscription. The first cemetery in New Braunfels was founded in 1845 with the arrival of the city’s early settlers. By 1846, however, the cemetery was nearing capacity with 293 burials, and a new burial ground was soon needed. In March 1868, John F. Torrey had a promissory note drawn up for eight acres and $500 to establish a new public burial ground high above the Guadalupe River. Torrey stipulated that the property be fenced, that a proper hearse be obtained for funerals, and that a small plot of land be reserved for himself, family and friends. An August 1868 article in the Neu Branfelser Zeitung reported a cedar fence had been completed, for which H. Weil supplied the rails and J.H. Petry erected the fence. The same article listed prices as $2.50 to dig a large grave and $1.75 for a small grave.

The state legislature incorporated the Comal Cemetery Association in August 1870, and Torrey released the bond and gave cemetery trustees a clear deed for one dollar. The first known internment in Comal Cemetery was for Frederick (Fritz) Hartwig on August 12, 1873. It is possible that earlier burials, documented as being on the bluff

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overlooking the river, took place in the 1850s. At John Torrey’s request, the city of New Braunfels took over administration of the cemetery in January 1887. After Torrey died and was buried in San Antonio, his heirs signed a quit claim deed to the reserved family lot. Through later acquisitions the cemetery was enlarged to about 25 acres. Features include ornamental metal entrance gates; mature sycamore, pecan, and oak trees; wrought and cast iron fencing and plot curbing. With more than 12,500 burials, Comal Cemetery reflects a continuum of community heritage. Historic Texas Cemetery

Erected 2021 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23330.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1887.

Location. 29° 42.8′ N, 98° 6.536′ W. Marker is in New Braunfels, Texas, in Comal County. It is on Peace Avenue near Dittlinger Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 Peace Ave, New Braunfels TX 78130, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Hill Country

and in the San

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 1, 2026

2. Comal Cemetery Marker

Antonio Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Notable People & Plots (here, next to this marker); Welcome to the Comal Cemetery (here, next to this marker); Heinrich Mordhorst (within shouting distance of this marker); Ferdinand J. Lindheimer (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ferdinand Jacob Lindheimer (about 300 feet away); Panteón Hidalgo (Hidalgo Cemetery) (about 400 feet away); Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery (about 500 feet away); Cypress Bend Park (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Braunfels.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 59 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 2, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.