The history of Kerrville
Kerrville holds a rich and storied past that reflects the resilience, creativity, and community spirit of the Texas Hill Country. From its humble beginnings as a small settlement along the Guadalupe River in the mid 1800’s, Kerrville has grown to become a cultural and outdoor recreation hub with a vibrant arts and music community and thriving Historic Downtown.
The History of Downtown Kerrville
1846
First Settlers
Joshua D. Brown leads a party of 10 men up the Guadalupe River and establishes one of the first shingle camps near a large spring in present-day Kerrville.
1856
Kerrville is Born
TThe settlement founded as Brownsborough was officially renamed Kerrsville in 1856, after Major James Kerr. Kerr was a friend of Joshua Brown, the settlement’s founder and an early settler of the upper Guadalupe River area. Brown himself requested the change in honor of his friend and fellow Texas Revolution veteran. The “s” was later dropped, and the town officially became Kerrville.
1857
Christian Dietert Mill Built
German master-miller Christian Dietert and millwright Balthasar Lich establish a large grist and saw mill, creating the most extensive operation of its kind in the Hill Country.
1887
Trains arrive in Kerrville
At 11:45 AM, on October 6th, 1887 the first San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway train arrives with over 500 passengers, celebrated with a seven-gun salute, Mexican band, and barbecue.
1889
First Mayor of Kerrville
Kerrville incorporates with an aldermanic form of city government, with Joseph Tivy serving as the first mayor.
1890
Schreiner Wool Warehouse
Charles Schreiner elevates Kerrville to prominence through his wool warehousing and commission sales operation, establishing the foundation of the town’s economic prosperity.
1915-1917
Kerrville, a Health Destination
Mountain Park Sanatorium opens in 1915, later renamed Thompson Sanatorium in 1917, establishing Kerrville as a major tuberculosis treatment center and health destination in the Hill Country.
1923
Schreiner University Established
Schreiner University (originally Schreiner Institute) is founded by Captain Charles Schreiner, establishing Kerrville as an important educational center in the Texas Hill Country.
1972
The Kerrville Folk Festival
The Kerrville Folk Festival is founded by Rod Kennedy, launching what would become America’s longest-running celebration of original songwriters and establishing Kerrville’s reputation as a major cultural destination.
1983
The Museum of Western Art
The Museum of Western Art is founded, featuring work of living artists specializing in American West themes, establishing Kerrville’s cultural identity.
The Legacy of the Schreiner Family
If you’ve been to Kerrville, you have probably noticed the “Schreiner” name emblazoned on businesses all over town. The Schreiner Family played a prominent role in our early history, from establishing a grocery store and bank in the pioneer days to shaping the cattle business in the region. Their contributions have not only improved the economic landscape in Kerrville but have influenced the welfare and education of the Kerrville community as well as preservation of the arts and history. The Schreiner Family remains committed and actively involved in Kerrville today. Read more about their contributions to Kerrville and their legacy!
Historic Buildings Tour
This locally quarried limestone building is a good example of late Italianate-style architecture. The façade features rough and smooth-dressed stone, arched windows and doorways, stone quoins and a projecting pressed metal cornice. Charles Schreiner formed the Kerrville Masonic Company in 1890, and Kerrville Lodge No. 697 A.F. & A.M. met here on the second story until 1927, when they moved to Schreiner’s former house and rented this space to the Odd Fellows. The ground floor has housed the local Post Office, C.C. Butt Grocery and Texas Power and Light. The property remained in the Schreiner family until 1959. It is currently home to Turtle Creek Olives and Vines.
Downtown Kerrville
We have 30 stops on our Historic Buildings Tour in Downtown Kerrville. Learn the early history of the area as well as the history of specific downtown buildings dating back to the 1800’s.
Top stops on the Historic Buildings Tour include:
- J.R. Barnett General Merchandise Store & Saddle Shop – Shop the retail spaces on the ground floor today while you enjoy the building’s history
- Schreiner Mansion Historic Site & Event Center – Enjoy a guided mansion tour and strolls through the Mansion Courtyard
- C. C. Butt Piggly Wiggly – See where H.E. Butt began his experiment with cash and carry groceries (considered the 3rd location of what is now H.E.B.)
