Kesselus Building
Bastrop, Bastrop County, Texas
Marker Inscription
William Kesselus, a native of Germany, came to Bastrop in 1853 and established himself as a tailor. In 1891, this building was constructed to replace an earlier frame structure that had housed his shop. After Kesselus died in 1901, his son Will continued the business here until his death in 1919. The building later housed a variety of mercantile establishments and serves as a reminder of the German influence in Bastrop. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1985
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
William Kesselus, a German immigrant, arrived in Bastrop in 1853 and set up as a tailor. In 1891 this building replaced his earlier frame shop, and his son Will carried on the business until 1919. It later held a succession of mercantile stores and stands as a marker of German influence in Bastrop.
Why it matters
The building embodies the immigrant tradesmen who built the commercial fabric of small Texas towns in the nineteenth century.
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Related people
- · William Kesselus
Themes & tags
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