November 27, 2012 - Fredericksburg (YRE)

It was so nice to be joined by friends Peter and Ellen for our 10k walk in Fredericksburg. It was another sunny day but only in the upper 50's when we started.

Fredericksburg (pop. 10,500) is located in the Texas Hill Country. It was founded by German settlers in 1846.

A "Sunday House"

The devout German farmers who settled in this area drove into town for religious services. They built small houses known as "Sunday Houses" for use on weekends and religious holidays. Fredericksburg boasts many other buildings of historical significance and architectural interest. A large number of buildings bear historical plaques.

 

One of the earliest dwellings

Fredericksburg has become a major tourist attraction with many charming B&B's, restaurants, art galleries, wineries, hiking, and special events.  Historical structures are plentiful, too.

Traditional German holiday decorations were up at the Marktplatz

In the center of town is the "Marktplatz," with an unusual 8-sided building. The walk route also passes the birthplace of Admiral Chester Nimitz, the Nimitz State Historical Park, and the National Museum of the Pacific War.

St. Joseph's Halle - 1900

 

The streets in Fredericksburg were very wide so that carriages could turn around

The first and last kilometers of the walk were really dull. The walk would be much better if the start box could be located closer to the downtown core.

One significant fact about this volkswalk:  the stamp is #0001.    Apparently this was the first volkswalk in the US.

Walk Route: C+

Walk Instructions: B

Old St. Mary's, One of the first churches built in Fredericksburg

The "Elephant Building"