Cross Mountain

This marl and limestone hill, elevation 1,915 feet, was an Indian signal point, advancing news of the intrusions of white settlers. The hill was first recorded and described by the German geologist, Dr. Ferdinand Roemer in 1847. A timber cross found on the hilltop the same year suggests that Spanish missionaries recognized it as a landmark on the path from San Antonio to Mission San Saba. John Christian Durst (1825-1898), arriving with his family in 1847 from Germany, received a town lot and 10 acres of land, including this hill. On finding the cross, he named it "Kreuzberg," or Cross Mountain. The Easter fires on Cross Mountain and the surrounding hills recall a German tradition of burning the old growth to make way for the new, and also commemorate the 1847 treaty made by John O. Meusebach and the settlers to establish peace with the Comanche nation. In 1849, a Bohemian priest, Father George Menzel, erected a more substantial cross as a symbol of redemption and civilization. Easter Sunrise Services were held on the mountain for many years prior to 1941. In 1946 the Very Rev. F. X. Wolf threw the switch to illuminate the permanent cross of metal and concrete built by St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Cross Mountain is a historical marker in Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, dedicated in 1976. It is one of 108 historical markers documented in Gillespie County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 189 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.2966, -98.8636 near Fredericksburg. The nearest cataloged historic site is Knopp, Johann Joseph (historical marker), about 0.9 miles away. Others within a short drive include Greenwood (includes Paupers), Moritz-Hitzfeld-Jacoby House, and Stein, Edward and Minnie.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5171010025. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.