Presentation I: The German Texas Frontier in 1853: Ferdinand Lindheimer Accounts for the Present and Projects a Future
Daniel J. Gelo and Christopher Wickham
After earning renown as the “Father of Texas Botany,” Ferdinand Lindheimer turned to editing the Neu-Braunfelser Zeitung (1852–1872). This presentation analyzes the paper’s first year (Nov. 1852–Nov. 1853), showing how Lindheimer’s scientific rigor and expressive prose produced original, on-site reporting—rather than recycled guidebook lore—on Native peoples, the environment, and mineral resources (especially gold). The result is a uniquely valuable window into German Texan life and Lindheimer’s forward-looking vision of German identity in Texas.
Presentation II: Heinrich von Struve’s memoir, Lebensbild (A Life Portrait)
James Kearney
Kearney introduces his updated translation of Heinrich von Struve’s memoir, tracing a noble family uprooted by the 1848 revolutions. While brother Gustav fled to New York after the failed Baden revolt, Heinrich resettled among Lateiner in Fayette County, maintaining Kultur amid frontier hardships. His candid reflections illuminate class dynamics within the German community and encounters with Anglo neighbors, enriching our understanding of immigrant adaptation in early Texas.
Presentation III: The Multilingual Heritage of Texas
Walter D. Kamphoefner
Texas has been multilingual from the start. The first state legislature funded Spanish and German translations of laws; later, “Bohemian” (Czech) joined the mix, and many counties supported heritage-language teaching in public schools. World War I marked a turn toward English-only movements, but modern bilingual education and translated voting materials revive 19th-century traditions. Kamphoefner situates today’s debates in this longer history, revealing how language policy has continually shaped civic life in Texas.
