2021-3 Remembrances Special Edition1
City of Schertz
Remembrances Special Edition Article 2021-3
Presented by: Schertz Historical Preservation Committee (SHPC)
Schertz, Texas – City Blessed with Beauty, History and Future
No better time of year than springtime to highlight the beauty of the landscape that
is abundant in Schertz, Texas. It incorporates both urban and rural elements, each of
which has its own attractions. The urban setting is mostly residential with an ever-
growing business park set apart in the city’s western quadrant. The urban housing is
relatively new (1990s and forward) and diverse in its architectural style and layout.
The rural portions, particularly to the south of town, are quickly being overrun by
developers interested in transitioning multi-acre plots for development of housing
communities. It’s been reported that Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), a one-time
visitor to the Cibolo Valley area, used the area’s geography as the setting for several
of his short stories.
Photos by Diana Webb
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Schertz Railroad Depot 1900 El Camino Real de Los Tejas Nation Trail
Schertz Family Cotton Gin 1910 Schertz Community Hospital (circa 1916)
The City’s geographic placement occupies territory in three different counties (Bexar,
Guadalupe, and Comal). Its borders on the north, west and south are historically
important areas. The northern border runs along the El Camino Real de los Tejas
National Historic Trail. The western and southern boundaries are set along the once
active hunting grounds of the North American Plains Indians who used the Cibolo
Creek as an entrapment device for great buffalo hunts. The placement of the City
along major north/south and east/west transportation hubs (Interstates 35 and 10)
have provided excellent enticements for businesses and residential growth within the
City boundaries.
The history of the area dates back to the late 19th century with the arrival of French
Alsatian and Prussian (German) immigrants between 1860 and 1870. The name first
given the community was Cibolo Pit, then Cut Off, and eventually Schertz in honor of
the family that donated land for the railroad depot. Descendants of that same Schertz
family donated land for the first two-story school building and served the community
in various capacities in the early years of the City’s development. The early 20th
century sparks that kept the town alive and prosperous were the introduction of the
steam engine for use in processing the cotton crop, the placement of a railroad depot
and a railroad spur within center of town, the proximity to the larger city of San
Antonio, Texas, the infrastructure development systems (Cibolo Creek Municipal
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Authority (CCMA)/Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation) and the arrival of
Randolph Air Base (1930) along the outskirts of the Schertz city boundary. The
reminders of the City’s proud past are visible in its historic landmark homes/business
buildings/farms and its three designated Heritage Neighborhoods.
The City’s emphasis on the development of quality-of-life amenities has brought it
national recognition as one of America’s top places to live among cities of its size. The
growth of Schertz has placed it as the largest suburb in the surrounding area of San
Antonio, Texas. The City’s future holds great promise for continued growth and
prosperity.