Nassau Plantation
Round Top, Fayette County, Texas
Marker Inscription
An extensive tract of land purchased in 1843 for colonization by German emigrants. Named for Duke Adolf of Nassau, protector of the emigration society, it was once one of the show places of Texas. Although the 4,428 acres could have been a good half-way station for German colonists on the long journey to western lands, this use was rejected by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, the commissioner general of the "Adelsverein", or German Emigration Society. He feared that the site, which was close to non-German settlements, would cause his people to lose their distinctive national culture. Though never colonized, Nassau became a welcome place for relaxation during trying periods of the emigration movement. Here the prince enjoyed horse racing and held feasts costing thousands of dollars. His successor as commissioner, John O. Meusebach, came to Nassau for less extravagant entertainment. The main dwelling on the plantation was built of oak, two stories high. Even in frontier days it had two glass windows. Cotton was grown on the lands. In 1848 the bankrupt Adelsverein sold Nassau. It was later divided into small farms, cultivated by descendants of the original German pioneers.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Purchased in 1843 by the German Emigration Society, or Adelsverein, the 4,428-acre Nassau Plantation was named for Duke Adolf of Nassau and became one of the show places of early Texas. Though Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels rejected it as a colonist way station—fearing German settlers might lose their culture near non-German neighbors—it hosted his lavish horse races and feasts, and quieter visits by his successor, John O. Meusebach. Never colonized, the two-story oak plantation grew cotton before the bankrupt society sold it in 1848, and it was later divided among German farming families.
Why it matters
Nassau captures the ambitions and tensions of organized German immigration to Texas, a movement that permanently shaped the culture of the Hill Country.
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Related people
- · Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels
- · John O. Meusebach
- · Duke Adolf of Nassau
Themes & tags
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