Zedler's Mills
Luling, Caldwell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
John and James Merriwether and Leonidas Hardeman in 1874 built gristmill and sawmill at this site, with stone dam across the San Marcos. Bob Innes, John Orchard, J. K. Walker, and Fritz Zedler, as Luling Water Power Co., bought mills (1884), adding cotton gin. A milling veteran, Zedler in 1888 bought all stock and made eldest son partner. The gin, soon burned, was rebuilt. Units were added. Sons Herman and Charles joined firm. In 1890 and later, the Zedlers furnished water to city; 1894 and later, city power. In time various mill units closed; operations ceased about 1960.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1874 John and James Merriwether and Leonidas Hardeman raised a gristmill and sawmill on this spot, damming the San Marcos River with stone to harness its power. New owners operating as the Luling Water Power Company added a cotton gin in 1884, and by 1888 milling veteran Fritz Zedler had bought out the stock and brought his sons into the family firm. For decades the Zedlers not only ground grain but supplied the town of Luling with water and, later, electric power, until operations wound down around 1960.
Why it matters
Zedler's Mills embodies the small-scale water-powered industry that powered — literally and figuratively — the growth of Texas towns before the age of the electric grid.
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Related people
- · Fritz Zedler
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
The Fritz Zedler Home
Luling, TX
Born in Germany in 1840, Fritz Zedler came to Texas as a boy and, after moving to Luling in 1884, built up the thriving enterprise known as Zedler's Mill. In 1900 he raised this ten-room, four-porch house from his own plans, a monument to his prosperity. It stayed in the family until 1964 and was later bought and carefully restored, earning recognition as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
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