Historical Marker

Kaiser Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Columbus, Texas
( 12 miles Northwest of Columbus, Texas. The property adjoining the cemetery on the north is 1968 Brunes Mill Road)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Napoleon B. Breeding purchased this land from the Republic of Texas in May 1837, soon after Colorado County organized. German immigrants were among the early settlers of Frelsburg and this area which was later called Brushy community. John Frederick Kaiser (1790-1870), his wife, Lucy (1792-1860), and their children came to Texas in 1848 from Bremen, Germany. John and Lucy’s sons George, Johann and Ludwig all owned land in the area, which they purchased from Napoleon breeding. Ludwig Frederick Kaiser and his wife, Anna Gertrude (Maier) were charter members of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Freslburg, and their son Carl was baptized in the church in 1855. Other local German families included descendants of Bernard and Anna (Meinen) Aschenbeck, and the Lilie, Ladewig, and Meyer families. Descendants of many early families still live here.

In January 1859, Ludwig and Anna Kaiser deeded 1.5 acres of land to the community to be used for a school and cemetery. Ludwig Kaiser died in jan. 1860 and was the first person buried in this cemetery. His wife, Anna, died in 1867 and is buried beside him; their headstones are both inscribed in their native German language. Many members of related German families are buried here, along with individuals who could not be interred in Frelsburg when a high-running cummins creek made roads impassable. Among the dozens of burials here are at least 11 military veterans who served from the civil war through the Korean conflict, including Ludwig’s younger brother, Johann Frederick Wilhelm Kaiser (1827-1867), a Confederate army soldier during the civil war. Today the cemetery is a tribute to early area settlers and their descendants and the rural heritage of Texas

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

gravesites German immigrants immigration
The enormous influence of Texas is largely due to the fact that it has implemented policies that emphasize economic freedom, and these policies can be replicated in other states
Arthur Laffer in The Laffer Center
Colorado County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and varied history that stretches back to its establishment in 1836 as part of the Republic of Texas. The county was named after the Colorado River, which flows through it. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Karankawa and the Coahuiltecan tribes. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1820s, and by the 1830s, the region had become a hub for Anglo-American colonization.

During the Republic of Texas era, Colorado County saw rapid growth and development. The county seat, Columbus, was established in 1839 and quickly became a major commercial center. The town served as an important stop on the Old San Felipe Road, a major transportation route connecting East and Central Texas. The discovery of oil and gas in the region in the early 20th century further fueled the county's growth and economic prosperity.

Colorado County played an important role during the Civil War. Many residents of German descent who settled in the county were Union sympathizers, while others supported the Confederacy. The county witnessed several skirmishes and military actions, including the Battle of Columbus in 1862, when Confederate forces repelled a Union raid. After the war, the county slowly rebuilt its economy and infrastructure.

In the 20th century, Colorado County diversified its economy beyond agriculture. The discovery of oil and gas led to the development of a thriving energy industry, and manufacturing and services sectors also grew. Today, Colorado County is a mix of suburban and rural areas, with agriculture, oil and gas, and tourism forming the pillars of its economy. The county continues to preserve its historical sites and celebrate its diverse heritage, attracting visitors from across the state and beyond.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Colorado County, Texas.

  • 1821: The area that would become Colorado County, TX is included in Austin's Colony, established by the Mexican government.
  • 1835: The area plays a role in the Texas Revolution as volunteers from Colorado County participate in the Battle of Gonzales.
  • 1837: Colorado County is officially established as a county in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1838: Columbus is selected as the county seat.
  • 1846: Colorado County is incorporated into the state of Texas as it becomes part of the United States.
  • 1850s: The county experiences rapid growth as more settlers move into the area, establishing farms and ranches.
  • 1861: With the outbreak of the Civil War, many residents of Colorado County actively support the Confederacy.
  • 1870s: The county's economy starts to diversify with the discovery of oil, leading to the establishment of oil wells and refineries.
  • 1935: The Lower Colorado River Authority is established, and dams are constructed in the area for flood control and water supply.
  • 1970s: Colorado County experiences an agricultural decline as farming becomes less profitable.
  • 1997: The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts is opened in Austin, providing a cultural center for the region.