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August Ebers House

Fredericksburg, Kendall County, Texas

Marker Inscription

In 1860 August Ebers, a German immigrant, built the east portion of this stone house. It included a kitchen, a "big room", and an upstairs loft bedroom. Before 1880 he added the west wing. Ebers was killed in a well accident in 1884, and his family continued operating the farm. The home became a social center where community dances were held, and served as a polling place during elections. The home remained in the family until 1962. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1983

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

German immigrant August Ebers built the east half of this stone house in 1860, with a kitchen, a "big room," and a loft bedroom, adding a west wing before 1880. After Ebers died in a well accident in 1884, his family kept the farm going, and the home became a community gathering place for dances and even served as an election polling place, staying in the family until 1962.

Why it matters

The house reflects the enduring German immigrant culture of the Texas Hill Country, where a family homestead doubled as a center of civic and social life.

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Related people

  • · August Ebers

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Nearby & related markers

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