Explore New Braunfels and be apart of the Veramendi community experience
The Beautiful Land and History of New Braunfels
As the largest city and county seat of Comal County, New Braunfels boasts many new, beautiful housing communities. While the population in this city flourishes and new houses in New Braunfels are popping up all around, nothing quite compares to the Veramendi community. In the heart of Hill Country, this community’s location is not only special because of its proximity to a variety of cities, attractions, and experiences, but because of the land it sits on and the history it holds. The land not only has a rich history but a personality all its own. With dramatic canyons, stunning bluffs, river access, and plentiful wildlife, the Veramendi community is dedicated to preserving the beautiful land and the native plants and animals that call it home.
Landa Park
The Exceptional Land of Comal County
Comal County is one of the 254 that make up the lone star state. This county can be found in south‑central Texas in the divide between the Blackland Prairies and the Balcones Escarpment. Comal County comprises 500+ square miles of both prairie and Hill Country terrain. The eastern quarter, below the Balcones Escarpment, consists of rolling plains and cropland that lays about 600 to 750 feet above sea level. The Hill Country terrain is full of live oak, mesquite, and Ashe‑juniper trees. Wildlife native to this land ranges from larger animals like deer, bobcats, coyotes, and turkeys, to smaller critters such as rabbits, squirrels, ringtail cats, skunks, and doves. The land sustains every aspect of the lives of the residents of Comal County. It provides life‑support systems and the foundations for the economy and society. Its importance is not lost on the people of Comal County and many places, like Veramendi, are devoted to preserving this invaluable resource. To better understand the significance of this land, we’re going to dive into the history of this area!
Comal County History
While explorers had ventured through the lands of Comal County, permanent settlement of the region didn’t begin until 1845. It was during this time that Prince Carl of Solm‑Braunfels secured title to 1,265 acres of the Veramendi grant, including the Comal Springs and river for the Adelsverein. After securing this land, thousands of Germans and Americans, who were attracted to the rich farmland and ranch land around New Braunfels, made their way to this desirable place in the following years and settlement progressed rapidly. In March of 1846, the Texas legislature officially formed Comal County from the Eighth Precinct of Bexar County and formally named New Braunfels the county seat. The final boundary determination was made with the separation of part of western Comal County to Blanco and Kendall counties in 1858.
Since its early years of settlement, Comal County has supported diversified farming and ranching industries. Corn, which was popular amongst most pioneers, became a staple in both the diet of the many Germans in the area, as well as a cash crop in the local economy. Its importance trickled during and after the Civil War as ranchers and farmers in the area began to produce commercially prevalent and valuable amounts of cotton, wheat, oats, wool, dairy products, and beef. Farming and ranching began to spread beyond the city lines of New Braunfels, into Hill Country, and contributed significantly to expanding the agricultural frontier!
Canyon Lake
Comal County Communities
Comal County has come a long way since its humble beginnings. The estimated population in the county now is 180,413 with a growth rate of around 4.68% in the past year. Comal County sits as the 31st largest county in Texas and is made up of diverse communities including:
- Bulverde: This suburb of San Antonio offers residents a rural, small‑town way of life. Bulverde dates back to the period 2,500 to 600 B.C. when Native Americans inhabited the area. The area, known for its arrowheads, was called Bulverde Point which can still be found in the city today!
- Garden Ridge: This city became an incorporated town 50 years ago. They take pride in their past, present, and future residents and are known for their neighborly love. This little piece of Hill Country has become a high‑demand area of Comal County, known for its natural beauty.
- Fair Oaks Ranch: This area evolved from several parcels of land acquired by an oil man, Ralph Fair Sr. during the 1930s. The working ranch started with a dairy and granary and has developed into a prosperous land that now consists of a residential community. This city proudly strives to preserve the beauty of the area, its quality of life, and the unique history surrounding the land.
- New Braunfels: The location of the Veramendi community, is a thriving city that is known for the Comal and Guadalupe rivers that wind through natural parks that residents often frequent. The past is preserved, like original 1800s German buildings such as Gruene Hall, while the future is celebrated through new business ventures such as the well‑known Schlitterbahn Water Park.
- Canyon Lake: This desirable area is where green rolling hills meet the crystal waters of Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River. Known as the “Water Recreation Capital” of Texas, makes this is a site worth visiting.
The History of Veramendi – Our Beloved Community
True Texas Hill Country living can be found at Veramendi whose land stems from a rich history of a family’s legacy. The legacy begins with the birth of Juan Martin de Veramendi on December 17, 1778, in what is now San Antonio. He was one of 5 children born to Fernando Veramendi and Maria Josepha Granados. Fast‑forward to 1827 and J.M. Veramendi makes a petition for a Spanish Land Grant of 11 Leagues that is granted. This grant includes the land that is now the Veramendi master‑planned community. Sadly J.M. Veramendi passes away in 1833 and leaves the land to his widow, Maria Antonia Veramendi, who decides to subdivide and sells the land. It was in 1870 that Joseph Landa purchases land that includes the over 2,400‑acre Veramendi ranch and uses the land to raise cattle. The ranch was run by Joseph himself until his passing in 1896. It was then that Landa’s son, Harry, follows his father’s footsteps and begins to run the ranch. Years later, the death of Landa’s wife in 1912 changes the trajectory of the land as her will stipulated the liquidation of the Landa estate. Dean Word Sr. purchases the Landa farm in 1941, and less 24 hours later, the United States enters World War II after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. 15 years later, Bill Borchers marries Joyce Ward and from then on, the ranch remains under the Word‑Borchers’ ownership for the next 50 years. Bringing us to 2010, the Word‑Borchers family enters a joint venture with ASA properties – this is where the story of Veramendi begins!
Become a Part of the History
The story of Veramendi is still unfolding today and we want you to be a part of it! Come see the beauty of the area yourself, and explore Veramendi living firsthand, and all that this community has to offer you today. We can’t wait to meet you and show you what makes this land so special. Contact us to schedule a personal tour today.
