HistoricSiteMarkers
Reconstruction & Gilded Age

Dambach-Besier Home

Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, Texas

Marker Inscription

This rock house was probably built by F. Dambach, who bought the lot in 1867 for $70 and sold it two years later for $450. This was a full-time residence rather than a weekend "Sunday House." The porch was added during the ownership of Anna Besier, who acquired the property in 1881. The widow of George Besier, Anna moved into town so her four children would be close to school. She kept cows in a pasture across the street and sold milk, butter, and cheese. The Besier family owned the property until 1966.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

This rock house was probably built by F. Dambach, who bought the lot for $70 in 1867 and sold it two years later for a handsome $450. Unlike Fredericksburg's famous weekend "Sunday Houses," it was a full-time home. Widow Anna Besier acquired it in 1881, added the porch, and moved into town so her four children could reach school—keeping cows across the street and selling milk, butter, and cheese.

Why it matters

The home reflects the German immigrant community of Fredericksburg and the resourcefulness of a widowed mother who supported her family through small-scale dairying.

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Related people

  • · Anna Besier
  • · F. Dambach

Themes & tags

Nearby & related markers

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