Built on the hilltop where Prince Carl Solms-Braunfels built a log fortress, the Sophienburg Museum relates the history of New Braunfels. Numerous exhibits showing the route taken from Matagorda Bay to the site of the new colony, artifacts from their journey, a list of daily sea rations, contracts and documents required for immigration. Each immigrant was allowed to bring one chest which included the items necessary for their survival in Texas. There was no room for furniture on the ships, but artisans were allowed to bring tools necessary for their trade. Many drawings and photographs show early views of the young settlement. A portrait of Prince Carl von Solms-Braunfels was received in 1926 from the ruling prince of Solms-Braunfels. That portrait hangs in a prominent place in the museum and was the catalyst for the founding of the museum.

Carl, Prince of Solms-Braunfels, was selected commissioner-general of the Adelsverein (Society for the Protection of German Immigrants to Texas), whose purpose it was to find land in Texas on which the German immigrants could settle safely. The first ships brought 439 men, women and children to the Republic of Texas. These first immigrants forded the Guadalupe on Good Friday, March 21, 1845, thus beginning the settlement of New Braunfels.

The Sophienburg Museum has early religious artifacts of the three church denominations represented in the settlement. A replica of a typical fachwerk home and the unique building technique is depicted. There are examples of pioneer handicrafts, tools of construction and farming, actual clothing worn by the settlers. Immediately upon their arrival, a school was established for the children of the settlers. Many artifacts of the early schools are displayed including an early planetarium. The German language was taught in all schools in New Braunfels up until World War II. New Braunfels was a forerunner in the establishment of tax supported schools in Texas.

A replica of an early doctor’s office the Henne Tin, dated in 1845 and the forerunner to the oldest hardware store in Texas, a bakery, pharmacy, barbershop, saloon, post office, and general merchandise store are all depicted in the museum. An exhibit of memorabilia and photographs of those who served in World War II has a prominent place, along with a collection of Indian arrowheads, a Studebaker carriage of the Landa family, a shoemaker’s shop, a Civil War and pioneer era gun collection, blacksmith shop, saddle and butcher shops, and photo and print shop of the newspaper.

Archives

An Archives containing records and research material dating to the beginning history of the settlement has been an invaluable resource for those interested in researching relatives. Phone books dating to 1900, high school annuals, Verein records, newspaper clippings, oral history files and tapes, a photo room and workshop are all manned by volunteers.

Sophienburg Museum & Archives
830-629-1572
sophienburg@sat.net