History of Gillespie County Honored in New Book

March 5, 2013 - PRLog -- New to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Gillespie County from The Gillespie County Historical Society. This pictorial history boasts more than 200 vintage images and provides readers with a unique opportunity to reconnect with the history that shaped their community.

The Society for the Protection of German Immigrants was formed in Germany in 1842 by a group of German noblemen with both philanthropic and commercial goals for a settlement in Texas. Over 5,200 German immigrants arrived on the Texas coast between October 1845 and April 1846. Lack of adequate funding and planning, as well as the continued war between Texas and Mexico, left many immigrants stranded at Indianola without sufficient food, water, shelter or transportation inland. Hundreds perished on the Texas coast, on the journey inland, and in cholera epidemics.

Traveling by wagon, cart and on foot, leaving behind much of what they had brought from their homeland, thousands made their way toward the land that was to be their new home. Through the courage, tenacity and diligence of the German pioneers who survived, "Friedrichsburg" was founded. Today, Fredericksburg, the county seat, continues in the cooperative spirit of these determined German pioneers, honoring their traditions, heritage and culture.

Highlights of Gillespie County include:
•   Hub of the County
•   Home and Family
•   Agriculture and Commerce
•   Gillespie County at Play

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.  

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.  Have we done a book on your town?  Visit http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/.