Edelweiss Inn

In Honor of the Father of Texas Botany

by VeronicaG

This mural celebrates the life and contributions of Ferdinand Jakob Lindheimer. I was not familiar with Lindheimer, so I did a little research to discover what part he played in Texas history.

I found that he is often called the father of Texas biology because of his work as the first permanent-resident plant collector in Texas.

He was from Germany, but after alienating himself from his family because of political affiliations, immigrated to the United States as a political refugee.

Lindheimer spent nine years collecting plant speciments in Texas.

In 1844 Lindheimer joined the Advelsverein and moved to New Braunfels where he settled after being granted land on the Comal River.

He continued with plant collecting with the hopes of establishing a botanical garden.

He was hired as editor for the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung in 1852 and eventually became the publisher, where he expressed his anticlerical views.

Lindheimer ran a private school for gifted children. He also served as Justice of the Peace.

After he left the newspaper, he became a devoted naturalist.

Lindheimer is credited with the discovery of several hundred plant species, among them a milikweed, a locco weed, a mimosa, prickly pear and a rock daisy.

His name is used to designate 48 species and subspecies of plants.

In 1879 his essays and memoirs were published.

*This information came from Handbook of Texas online

San Antonio

by keeweechic

San Antonio is the eighth largest city in the U.S. and the third biggest in Texas, south of San Marcos. The famed River Walk, Tower of the Americas, the Mercado Mexican-style marketplace, theme parks, art museums are well patronised. Of course the Alamo is also here.
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Jerry’s Rentals

by keeweechic

Jerry’s Rentals is right on the river as you cross over a little bridge. They have everything you need for your river trip and camping/fishing needs. They rent campsites but you have to book for weekends and holiday periods. They have a varied selection of river trips you can do depending on how much time you have and can offer guided trips as well.
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Keeweechic's New Braunfels

by keeweechic

New Braunfels is in Comal County in Central Texas. You can find the town 170 miles NW of Houston, 240 miles SW of Dallas, 40 miles north of San Antonio and 45 miles south of Austin. New Braunfels is a little bit of old Germany right in the middle of the Texas Hill Country. Originally founded in 1845, when Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels brought the first group of immigrants to a 1,265-acre plot of land he had purchased along the Guadalupe River. It became a successful farming and ranching area with its own abundant water. The German influence in tradition, culture and language still prominent and this area has become famous for its sausages and breads and you can dine at bier gartens and dance to oompah music. It is also known as being a popular river resort for all kinds of activities like tubing, rafting, swimming and fishing.

Other attractions include the Natural Bridge Caverns, a vast subterranean maze on ranch land about 17 miles west of the town which has been designated a U.S. Natural Landmark and the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, a 200 acre drive-through reserve where exotic animals, birds, and Texas wildlife can roam freely.

Photos which are taken by myself and all headings are copyright and digitally marked. Please do not use them without permission. Thanks.© keeweechic 2001 - 2006 (copyright)