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German Influence
To set the scene, it is useful to understand some early history surrounding the mass immigration of German families to both Texas and San Antonio during the middle of the nineteenth century.
Alsace, France/Germany
A large number of immigrants to South Texas came from Alsace, a city located in the northeast corner of France along the Rhine River, a river which borders Germany on the north and east. Beginning in the early 1800s, a dramatic increase in the German and French populations culminated in what became known as the panic of 1825, a period characterized by widespread hunger, housing shortages, and unemployment. The resulting feeling of hopelessness and despair led to major waves of emigration from these areas of Germany and France, a movement which continued well into the 1840s and 1850s.
At the same time, United States cities were advertising the opportunities available in this country. By 1848, well over a million people had emigrated from their European homes, and a large majority of German and French families arrived in Texas from Alsace.
Indianola, Texas
Most of the German immigrants to Texas landed in the town of Indianola before making the trek westward to cities such as Castroville, New Braunfels, and Fredericksburg. In 1844, Carl Braunfels, Prince of Solms Braunfels (for whom New Braunfels is named) chose a stretch of beach in Matagorda Bay near the current location of Indianola, Texas, as the official landing place for German settlers. Indianola grew rapidly in a few short years, from only a few settlers in 1844 to over 5,000 residents by 1871. In fact, Indianola was the second busiest port in Texas at that time, just behind Galveston. It not only held importance as an immigration stop, but also as a military depot and commodities exchange.
Unfortunately, because Indianola lies at sea-level, it is subject to flash flood-ing and is a prime target for hurricanes. The city endured its first hurricane devastation in 1875, at the peak of the town's prosperity. Though the town recovered, another hurricane struck in 1886. Besides causing widespread destruction, the storm also ignited a fire which completely destroyed the city. Today almost nothing remains of the original city as most of the area is underwater. A small fishing village now occupies the area near the original settlement. Due to the city of Indianola‘s importance in the eventual ment of San Antonio, a San Antonio street bears the town‘s name. Located just south of downtown, Indianola Road extends from East Durango Boule-vard and continues south for a few blocks.
Chapter Excerpts
Basse Road
Basse Road honors Edgar Basse for his contribution to San Antonio‘s growth.
Stinson
Although there is no street named Stinson, the name is honored in San Antonio's airport and Stinson middle school.
Wetmore Road
The International-Great Northern Railroad Company (I-GN) was brought to San Antonio by Jacob Wetmore.