Near Fredericksburg in Gillespie County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Crabapple School
Photographed By Duane Hall, December 9, 2015
1. Crabapple School Marker
Inscription.
Crabapple School. . German immigrants who came to Fredericksburg in the late 1840s and who later settled in this area erected a native limestone school which opened in 1878 with about 40 students. The land was donated by farmer Mathias Schmidt who according to local tradition earned the privilege by winning a foot race. Facilities added over the years include a teacherage and space for a post office, Lutheran church, and community band. Crabapple school merged with Fredericksburg’s independent school district in 1957 after which the community adapted the buildings for a variety of uses.
German immigrants who came to Fredericksburg in the late 1840s and who later settled in this area erected a native limestone school which opened in 1878 with about 40 students. The land was donated by farmer Mathias Schmidt who according to local tradition earned the privilege by winning a foot race. Facilities added over the years include a teacherage and space for a post office, Lutheran church, and community band. Crabapple school merged with Fredericksburg’s independent school district in 1957 after which the community adapted the buildings for a variety of uses.
Erected 1994 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10022.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.
Location. 30° 26.393′ N, 98° 49.903′ W. Marker is near Fredericksburg, Texas, in Gillespie County. Marker is on Lower Crabapple Road, 0.4 miles east of Ranch to Market Road 965, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14671 Lower Crabapple Rd, Fredericksburg TX 78624, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. St. John's Lutheran Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Welgehausen Ranch (approx. 0.4 miles away); Enchanted Rock
Regarding Crabapple School. The marker and the school are featured in Chapter 8, “To Have What We Must”, of the book History along the Way: Stories beyond the Texas Roadside Markers by Dan K. Utley and Cynthia J. Beeman.
Photographed By Duane Hall, December 9, 2015
2. 1882 Crabapple School
This building was the second school on the site, built in 1882
Photographed By Duane Hall, December 9, 2015
3. 1878 Crabapple School
This building was the first school on the site, opening in January 1878, and then became the teacherage (house for the teacher) when the new school building was completed in 1882
Photographed By Duane Hall, December 9, 2015
4. 1882 Crabapple School
View to the east from Lower Crabapple Road
Photographed By Duane Hall, December 9, 2015
5. Crabapple School as viewed from Lower Crabapple Road
The 1878 school / teacherage is on the left with the 1882 school on the right
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 483 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 16, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
