Zink, Nicolaus

In 1844, Bavarian-born civil engineer Nicolaus Zink (1812-1887) was selected to lead a group of German immigrants overseas to establish settlements on a Texas land grant. This colonization effort was headed by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels and financed by a German corporation known as the Mainzer Adelsverein. Upon arrival in Texas in late 1844, Zink realized that the grant to be settled by the colonists was in the heart of Comanche Indian territory. He persuaded Prince Solms to settle at an alternate site, which became the town of New Braunfels. Zink's leadership in the face of unrest, disease, starvation, and monetary problems was vital to the survival of the colony. He eventually was responsible for the supervision of about one-half of the German immigrants bound for New Braunfels. After 1847, Zink built homes in a variety of places, including Sisterdale, Comfort, and an area south of Fredericksburg. In 1868, he acquired this property and built the central portion of the limestone house southeast of this site. He later gave land for and helped engineer the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad bed to Kerrville. Zink lived here until his death and is buried in an unmarked grave near this site. (1984)

Zink, Nicolaus is a historical marker in Boerne, Kendall County, dedicated in 1984. It is one of 59 historical markers documented in Kendall County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 108 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.8916, -98.7883 near Boerne. The nearest cataloged historic site is Beseler Cemetery (cemetery), about 1.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Beseler Family, Wasp Creek-Railroad Workers, and Unknown Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5259003595. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.