The New Braunfels Main Plaza (Town Square, or more like an oval) is a beautiful space within a large roundabout in the heart of the New Braunfels Historic District. The Main Plaza is a celebration of those who helped develop this city and defend this country. The Main Plaza represents the era of the German/Texan settlers as the state was transitioning to statehood. In many respects, it is the heartbeat of New Braunfels, TX.
Main Plaza Location
The Main Plaza is within walking distance of most things in the Historic District of New Braunfels. Not only is the Main Plaza nearby, but other attractions, including beautiful painted murals, old buildings, restaurants, and beer gardens, are nearby.
Main Plaza History
The Main Plaza has been a focal point for the celebration and remembrance of those who have given to the people of New Braunfels. An engineer representing the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas, developed engineering plans for the Main Plaza.
The first documented use of the Main Plaza was the July 4th celebration in 1846. New Braunfels celebrates the July 4th celebration at the Main Plaza even today but the fireworks display is located over Landa Park.
The Main Plaza was originally an open space from its construction in 1845 until the 1890s. Trails and roads led to and from the Main Plaza area. These thoroughfares allowed the plaza to become a central place for commerce over the years.
The 50th Anniversary of the Founding of New Braunfels was celebrated at the Main Plaza in 1895. An arch was erected at the center of Main Plaza at that time.
The Bandstand and the Fountain were both added to the Main Plaza and gives a lot of character to the plaza.
Bandstand and Fountain
The town placed a fountain at the plaza in 1985 as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration in 1897. They added curbing in 1897. J.L. Mott Iron Works of New York cast the fountain and installed it in the Main Plaza.
Note: The J. L. Mott Iron Works was an American hardware dealer and manufacturer during the late 19th century. It operated out of New York but ceased operations in the 1920s.
New Braunfels constructed the bandstand in the neo-classical style in the Main Plaza in 1905. Its original use was as a stage for summer concerts by the Waldschmidt Fire Department Band.
New Braunfels’ Main Plaza Statues and Exhibits
World War One Statue
New Braunfels commissioned Indiana scultptor E. M. Viquesney in 1934 to create “Spirit of the American Doughboy”. The cast zinc statue is dedicated to “World War Veterans of Comal County 1917-1918” on November 11, 1937.
Civil War Infantryman Statue
In the 1930s, Mr. and Mrs. E.A. Clousnitzer provided funds for a Civil War Infantryman statue that is displayed in the Main Plaza as a memorial to all the soldiers from New Braunfels who died during the Civil War.
Comal County and the Civil War Plaque
In 1964, the State Historical Survey Committee authorized the placement of a plaque telling of Comal County’s role in the Civil War.
The town placed a granite marker in the Main Plaza to commemorate the American Revolution’s Bicentennial. The City placed additional granite markers on the Main Plaza to celebrate the City’s 150th Anniversary of the City’s founding.
The Court of Honor
Comal County Courthouse
The City constructed the Comal County Courthouse in 1887 and is still in use today. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in Comal County, Texas in 1976 and designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1993. J. Riley Gorden designed the building in the Romanesque Revival style.
Murals
Seele Mural
The Seele Mural is located at the 100 block of North Castell Avenue and one block from the Main Plaza.
The Legacy Of Our Journey Mural
The “Legacy of our Journey” Mural was created by Alex Rubio of San Antonio Blue Star Contemporary, to celebrate Hispanic heritage from the 1600s to 1845, and their contributions to the City of New Braunfels. This mural is located at 337 Main Plaza.
City of a Prince Mural
The City of a Prince Mural is located at the 100 block of Castell Avenue and West San Antonio Street. The mural is painted on the wall of the Downtown Antique Building. This is only one block from the Main Plaza so easy to access.
Spass & Gemutlichkeit Mural
The Spass and Gemutlichkeit Mural is located on the west side of Krause’s Cafe and Beer Gierten. It’s located on the 100 block of Castell Avenue which is adjacent to The City of a Prince Mural. You only have to walk 1 block from the Main Plaza to see this mural.
If you like this content, check out our posts on the Faust Hotel and Brew Company, Canyon Lake and Dam, Gruene Historical District, Landa Park, the Faust Street Bridge, and other posts covering destinations in the New Braunfels and Texas Hill Country area. Check out this post on the Beautiful Pedernales Falls State Park and Lyndon B. Johnson’s National Park and Ranch in Johnson City, TX.
In addition, you will want to check out our Texas Hill Country videos on our YouTube Channel at Travel with D and E.
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