ZINK HOUSE
Old S.A. #9, near Nelson City

DESCRIPTION:Original central portion with wings added later. Two story rock with gables to side; steep pitched roof, with central dormers; one story wings; two central door entries flanked by windows. Roof was shingle, now tin. Several extra buildings.

HISTORY:In 1844, Bavarian-born civil engineer Nicolas 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. 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. Despite three marriages, Zink left no children and few people are aware of his contribution to Texas history. The state's German American communities are his legacy, testimony to his tireless efforts to lead the immigrants to the better lives of their dreams. Zink lived here until his death and is buried in an unmarked grave near this site. The ranch and buildings are now used by Don Strange Catering Service known as the Don Strange Ranch. Many promotional and social events are held here annually.

Source: Boerne Public Library files; "Nicolas Zink- A Paper For the Historical Commission" by Fred Bartel; Sketch courtesy of Col. Bettie Edmonds.

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