Sophienburg Museum and Archives050

In 1845, Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels and a group of emigrants set out to find a new home in Texas. The Prince chose a site on the Comal River because of its abundant water, lush vegetation, and what is called "a good omen" and there he and his band of pioneers formed New Braunfels.

For his personal home, Prince Carl chose a hill overlooking the beginnings of the town and began his plan to build a castle on the site. His home was to be called Sophienburg, or Sophie's Castle, for his fiancee. However, when he sent for Sophia, she refused to leave Germany and he left Texas.

Today, the Sophienburg Museum and Archives resides on the hill chosen long ago by Prince Carl.