Fredericksburg, Texas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Fredericksburg is a city located in Gillespie County, Texas. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 8,911. It is the county seat of Gillespie County⁶. The community of Luckenbach, immortalized in country music, is near Fredericksburg.

1 History
2 Geography
3 Demographics
4 Lodging
5 Newspaper
6 External links

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History

Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 by Baron Otfried Hans von Meusebach, new Commissioner General of the "Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas", also known as the "Noblemen's Society" (in German: Adelsverein), and named in honor of Prince Frederick of Prussia, nephew of Prussia's King Frederick William III, and highest ranking member of the Adelsverein. Baron von Meusebach renounced his noble title and became known in Texas as John O. Meusebach. Settled largely by liberal, educated Germans fleeing the Revolution of 1848, Gillespie County voted against secession prior to the American Civil War. Fredericksburg was the birthplace of Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Forces in World War II. The hotel owned by Nimitz's German grandfather has been converted into a museum honoring the men and women who served with Nimitz in the war.

The town is notable as the home of Texas German, a German dialect spoken by the first generations of settlers who initially refused to learn English.

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Geography

Fredericksburg is located at 30°16'27" North, 98°52'19" West (30.274058, -98.871822)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.2 km² (6.6 mi²). 17.2 km² (6.6 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.

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Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 8,911 people, 3,784 households, and 2,433 families residing in the city. The population density is 518.2/km² (1,342.1/mi²). There are 4,183 housing units at an average density of 243.2/km² (630.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 93.08% White, 0.27% African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 5.09% from other races, and 1.05% from two or more races. 17.00% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There is a minority of Texas Germans.

There are 3,784 households out of which 23.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% are married couples living together, 8.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 35.7% are non-families. 32.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 19.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.24 and the average family size is 2.82.

In the city the population is spread out with 20.3% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 30.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 47 years. For every 100 females there are 81.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 78.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $32,276, and the median income for a family is $43,670. Males have a median income of $25,878 versus $22,171 for females. The per capita income for the city is $18,788. 11.9% of the population and 7.5% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 16.1% of those under the age of 18 and 11.5% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

It is also home to the talented musician, Sara Jacobi (aka Sara Michael).

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