Crabapple School, Fredericksburg, Texas
historic place
Crabapple School, a historic place in Gillespie County, Texas, was established by German immigrants who settled near Fredericksburg in the late 1840s. A native limestone school building opened in 1878 with approximately 40 students. Farmer Mathias Schmidt donated the land for the school, a privilege he earned by winning a foot race. The original 1878 building served as a classroom and included living quarters for the teacher. Between 1887 and 1910, this building also functioned as a post office. A second limestone school building was constructed in 1882. This second building also served as a Lutheran church until 1897. Crabapple School merged with the Fredericksburg Independent School District in 1957. After the merger, the community adapted the buildings for various uses. The Texas Historical Commission erected a historical marker here in 1994. Today, Crabapple School serves as a community center. The site is historically significant for its role in local education and community life.