German Free School, Austin, Texas
historical marker
The German Free School is located in Austin, Travis County, Texas. German immigrants established this institution in the 1850s. Their goal was to provide free, secular education, a concept then uncommon in Texas. The school building was constructed in 1857, with volunteer labor on land donated by the von Rosenberg family. In January 1858, the German Free School Association was chartered by the Texas Legislature, becoming Austin's first chartered school. Classes were taught in English, with German as a probable second language. The school served many nonpaying students, supported by state funds and donations. Around 1872, a two-story limestone section expanded the building. The school closed around 1881, as Austin's public school system emerged. After its educational role, the building had other uses. In 1948, artist Kelly Stevens purchased and restored the structure. He later deeded the property to the German-Texan Heritage Society in 1991. Today, the building serves as the society's headquarters, preserving German culture and history. A historical marker, erected in 1962 by the Texas Historical Commission, recognizes this site's enduring historical importance.