Engel Family

The Rev. August Engel (1818-1904), a circuit riding Methodist preacher and teacher, immigrated to Texas in 1846 from Germany. In 1859 he married Katharina Ernst (1837-1920). They had six children. August Engel served as postmaster for five years in Blanco County, and for 32 years at Cranes Mill in Comal County. He was succeeded as postmaster by his son August Engel, Jr., in 1904, who purchased six acres in 1885 in Gillespie County from Carl a. Luckenbach. A post office was established in Engel's home in 1886 with August Engel, Jr., serving as postmaster. His sister Minna was asked to name the new post office. Married to C. A. Luckenbach, Minna chose the name of Luckenbach. A general merchandise store with a post office area, blacksmith shop, cotton gin, saloon and warehouses were added to the property. A dance hall (tanz halle) also located there was a center for local gatherings. William Engel replaced his brother August Engel, Jr., as postmaster of Luckenbach in 1890. William's son, Benno W. Engel, Sr., was appointed postmaster in 1935, and served in that capacity for 36 years. The Luckenbach Post Office was discontinued in 1971 after 85 years of continuous service to Gillespie County and to the community.

Engel Family is a historical marker in Luckenbach, Gillespie County, dedicated in 1996. It is one of 109 historical markers documented in Gillespie County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 195 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.1803, -98.7560 near Luckenbach. The nearest cataloged historic site is Luckenbach School (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Pehl, Luckenbach, and Unknown Grave #5.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5171010036. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.