Discover the Rich History and Natural Beauty of the Texas Hill Country's Premier German Settlement
Boerne (/ˈbɜːrni/ BURN-ee) is a charming city and the county seat of Kendall County, Texas, nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Located just 30 miles northwest of San Antonio along Interstate Highway 10, Boerne offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities.
Founded in 1849 as Tusculum, this historic German settlement was renamed Boerne in 1852 to honor Ludwig Börne, a influential German writer and political satirist whose writings inspired many Germans to seek freedom and opportunity in Texas.
Today, Boerne is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, with a population exceeding 21,600 residents and a remarkable growth rate of 5.54% annually. The city has experienced a dramatic 106.64% population increase since the 2010 US Census.
Part of the Adelsverein colonization efforts bringing thousands of Germans to Texas seeking freedom from political and economic turmoil.
Gustav Theissen and John James platted the town, naming it after Ludwig Börne, whose writings inspired German emigration to Texas.
Became the county seat of newly formed Kendall County by just 67 votes, with the historic courthouse built in 1870.
Ludwig Börne (1786-1837) was a German-Jewish political writer and satirist who became the first writer to exclusively criticize the political order of Germany. Although Börne died before Boerne was founded, his radical writings inspired many young German liberals to seek a better life in what was then the Republic of Texas.
The town's founders chose to honor Börne by naming their settlement after him, dropping the inflected vowel and employing American spelling. This makes Boerne one of the few Texas cities named after a European intellectual rather than a political or military figure.
The German influence remained strong in Boerne for generations through various cultural organizations:
Boerne sits at the geographic coordinates of 29.7946600°N and 98.7319700°W in the southern region of the Texas Hill Country. The city covers 11.6 square miles, with 2.61% covered by water from Cibolo Creek and Boerne City Lake.
At an elevation of 1,526 feet above sea level, Boerne enjoys the cooler climate and scenic beauty characteristic of the Hill Country. The area's topography features rolling hills, limestone outcroppings, and spring-fed creeks.
The 96-mile-long Cibolo Creek flows through the heart of Boerne, providing both natural beauty and practical benefits:
Boerne enjoys a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) with distinct seasons and generally pleasant weather year-round.
Current Population (2022)
106.64% growth since 2010
Annual Growth Rate
One of Texas' fastest growing
People per Square Mile
Population density
Boerne attracts residents and visitors who appreciate its unique blend of:
Built in 1870, this limestone courthouse is the second-oldest courthouse in Texasstill in use. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Historic hotel opened in 1859, one of few remaining 19th-century resort hotels in Texas. Hosted Jefferson Davis, Dwight Eisenhower, and Robert E. Lee.
Historic town square where U.S. Cavalry camels were staked during Jefferson Davis's experimental camel cavalry program in the 1850s.
Classical Revival farmhouse founded by Dr. Ferdinand Herff, now part of the Cibolo Center for Conservation with nature trails and community programs.
Boerne's oldest tourist attraction since 1932. Only natural cave in Texas with an interior waterfall, located 3 miles southeast of town.
100+ acres with 6+ miles of trails through four ecosystems, featuring100-million-year-old dinosaur tracks exposed by 1997 flooding.
Whether you're planning a visit, considering a move, or simply want to explore one of Texas's most charming communities, Boerne welcomes you with open arms and rich German heritage.
Explore antique shops, galleries, and restaurants in our historic downtown
Hike trails, explore caves, and enjoy the natural beauty of Hill Country
Join our growing community and experience the best of small-town Texas living