“Dallas wasn't for sale - besides the American way is to start small and work your way up.”
~One of the many reasons Hondo bought Luckenbach.
History of Luckenbach
A Texas State of Mind
These days Luckenbach Texas is, to paraphrase John Steinbeck, a state of mind – A Texas state of mind, where you can kick back, relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life—like a step back in time. This tiny hill country hamlet where “Everybody’s Somebody” was established as a Trading Post in 1849 making it one of the oldest settlements in Gillespie County.
How Luckenbach Got It's Name
Luckenbach was established in 1849. One of the first settlers in the area was Jacob Luckenbach (1817-1911). A group of German nobility, the Adelsverein, hoped for great riches by establishing a colony in the New World. In 1845 Jacob signed up and sailed with his family on the Johann Dethardt to Indianola in December.
150 Years of Luckenbach... in Texas! 1849-1999
Jacob Luckenbach is known to have come to Texas as early as the mid-1830’s and was among the Texans, including many Texas-Germans, who helped to win Texas’ independence from Mexico. The Bounty and Donation Land Grants of Texas 1835-1888, shows that he was awarded payment for service in the Texas army from May to September 15, 1836.
Coffins and Cowbells (The Preservation of a General Store)
“Is this all there is?” I’ve heard asked many times by disappointed visitors to Luckenbach. These people come from a high tech – action movie – crowned freeway civilization expecting our famous town to be Fiesta Texas and finding instead, Siesta Texas. If only they knew what a rare treasure we have here, a general store still in existence since 1849.
Remembering Our Beloved Sheriff Marge ... A Real Texas Folk Hero
The smaller a place is the greater the big things in it are missed. We were mad when the souvenir vultures stole the old signs and antique fire truck. We smarted when the blacksmith shop washed down creek. We felt an even bigger shock when the 2002 Flood took the cotton gin. Even the voices and faces of Hondo, Tex and Sam have faded into the moonlight.
