Adelsverein
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Adelsverein, the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas, organized on April 20, 1842, was a colonial attempt to establish a new Germany [1] within the borders of Texas. [2]
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[edit] History
Adelsverein was organized on April 20, 1842, by twenty-one German noblemen at Wiesbaden-Biebrich on the Rhine. The society represented a significant effort to establish a new Germany on Texas soil through organized mass emigration. [2]
Between 1842 and 1845, Shelby, Texas becomes a small German farming community in Austin County. In 1843, Count Ludwig Joseph von Boos-Waldeck buys a plantation in Fayette County for the Adelsverein. Nassau Farm, a "manor house" retreat for the Society's officials was built during this period. [3]
New Braunfels was the first colony set up for German immigrants in 1845. The second colony, Fredericksburg, was established in 1846 near the Pedernales River. [2]
In 1853, due to a large amount of debt, Adelsverein ended its colonization campaign in Texas. [4]
[edit] Settlements
- Castell, Texas
- Fredericksburg, Texas
- New Braunfels, Texas
- Shelby, Texas
- Nassau Plantation, Fayette County, Texas
[edit] Leadership
- Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels
- Count Ludwig Joseph von Boos-Waldeck
- Baron August von Bibra
- Friedrich Kapp
- John O. Meusebach
