The land on which the settlement stood was eventually bought by Gustav Theissen and John James, who platted the town in 1851. As businesses grew and stagecoach routes began to appear in the area, Boerne itself began to develop as well. A post office and stage stop was opened by August Staffel in 1856. William Dietert established Boerne's first business, a gristmill and sawmill on the Cibolo Creek. Soon the town was in possession of a blacksmith shop, a livery stable, a butcher shop, a saloon and a general store. Professor Karl Dienger even created a private school in the 1860's.
In 1887, the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad began daily treks to Boerne from San Antonio, replacing the use of the stagecoach. The railroad brought mail and newspapers from San Antonio daily and cut travel time between the two cities to three hours. Tourism expanded, and Boerne grew considerably larger.
Not long after the turn of the century, Boerne acquired electricity, telephone capacity and telegraphs. An opera house was built to house cultural events and was the site of the first Kendall County Fair in 1906. Agriculture was thriving, with crops such as cotton, corn, wheat, rye, Irish potatoes and tobacco reigning in the area. Shortly after the opera house opened, automobiles began to arrive. The town was incorporated in 1909. William John Wilke served as the town's first mayor and taxes were set at 25 cents per $100.
The entire community felt the heartache and loss brought home by the deaths of family and friends in World War I. A monument was erected and dedicated in 1923 to honor the deceased. Still standing in Veteran's Park (Military Plaza), that monument now includes memorials to those who fought and died in all subsequent wars.
The Great Depression was perhaps the biggest shock to the town since its founding. After the stock market crashed, tourism slowed considerably and the cotton crop was all but destroyed by the boll weevil.
Many of the soldiers who returned home from World War II in the 1940's found that Boerne had changed significantly and moved on to bigger cities, but the area continued to expand. Boerne Utilities Company was established, as well as a sewer plant. Boerne City Lake was made to prevent flooding and a dam was built on the Cibolo Creek. The population nearly doubled in size from 1940 to 1970 and the city was prosperous.
Today, Boerne is a popular place for tourists to scavenge for antiques, view historic buildings and relax in the comfort of a small town. Several community activities take place throughout the seasons and Boerne can now boast that it has more than 8,000 citizens who are proud to call this town home.
8 - 9 Mar 2008, Take beautiful small-town surroundings, dozens of vendors from all over Texas, arts and crafts, antiques, collectibles, unusual items and great food, and you have Market Days! Main Plaza. 8 Mar 2008, On Second Satudays, the galleries of Boerne host joint openings from 5 to 8. Come out and enjoy a glass of wine and the latest offerings on the Boerne Art Scene.
Authentic Custom Homes Open House
8 Mar 2008, March 8,2008 Authentic Custom Homes is having an open house from 10:00 to 7:00 of it's newest project, The Townhomes of Village Park. Village Park is located at 1041 Blanco here in Boerne Texas.Guided Tour - Honey Creek State National Area
8 Mar 2008, Meet at Rust House at Guadalupe River State Park at 9 a.m. for a guided interpretive tour of Honey Creek State Natural Area, emphasizing the history, geology, flora and fauna or the Natural Area.Kiss The Cook Teaching Kitchen
13 Mar 2008, "Spring into Great Cuisine"Easter is coming quicker than you think. Chef Christopher Stonesifer's Spring Menu is sure to teach you how to impress your family and friends with a healthy light Easter feast.
Guided Tour - Honey Creek State National Area
15 Mar 2008, Meet at the Rust House at Guadalupe River State Park for a tour emphasizing the history, geology, flora and fauna of the Natural Area. This is truly an amzing look at the hill countryGuided Tour - Honey Creek State National Area
22 Mar 2008, Meet at the Rust House at Guadalupe River State Park for a tour emphasizing the history, geology, flora and fauna of the Natural Area. This is truly an amazing look at this Hill Country treasure. 22 Mar 2008, The Rainbow Center Directors Dinner Dance is an annual fund raiser.Acoustic music concert on Sat, Mar 22 7pm
22 Mar 2008, Eric Taylor singer, songwriter, and philosopher extraordinaire will perform an acoustic guitar and vocals concert at Alamo Fiesta RV Resort. Eric is a national treasure, tours worldwide, and among the very best living singer/songwriters.Kiss the Cook Teaching Kitchen
27 Mar 2008, "Desperate Housewives Dining Delights"Come share in the fun with Bren and Janet for this hands on class and discover what those "desperate housewives" EAT as they gossip around the kitchen table. 28 - 29 Mar 2008, Kendall County Fair Grounds. Over 80 exhibitors in 2 buildings. Friday is a Taste of the Hill Country Preview Mixer. Saturday's event is fun for the whole family.
Guided Tour - Honey Creek State National Area
29 Mar 2008, Meet at the Rust House at Guadalupe River State Park for a tour emphasizing the history, geology, flora and fauna of the Natural Area. This is truly an amazing look at the hill country.Sixth Annual Art Auction Gala! - Scholarship Fundr
29 Mar 2008, Saturday, March 29, 7:00 p.m. at the Boerne Community Center, 820 Adler Street. An adult evening of Art! Complimentary Wine & Cheese, highlighting artists for the Hill Country and San Antonio
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