Overview / Summary
Germans first immigrated to Texas in the 1830’s where they tended to cluster in ethnic enclaves. By 1850 Germans made up more than 5% of the total Texas population.1 From 1847-1861, a total of 7,634 German immigrants settled in Bexar County. From 1865 to 1885-6, an additional 14,204 German immigrants were located in Bexar County.2 By the late 1880’s, San Antonio’s population was one-third German. Many were farmers who settled in the very rural areas of the county. Others settled in San Antonio and engaged in business enterprises, often living in what is now known as the King William Historic District.
One of the enclaves of German farmers was located in the northwestern portion of Bexar County, some 12-13 miles outside of San Antonio. Today that area encompasses Leon Springs and Helotes. It was in the Leon Springs/Helotes area that the Braun family chose to make their home.