Charles Henry Nimitz facts for kids

Charles Henry Nimitz (born Karl Heinrich Nimitz; 1826–1911) was an important person in Texas history. He was born in Bremen, Germany, and later moved to America. He worked on ships before his family moved to South Carolina in the 1840s. Later, he joined a group of German settlers who moved to the new state of Texas. Charles Nimitz was the grandfather and a big inspiration for Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, a famous leader in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

In 1852, Charles Nimitz built the Nimitz Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas. This hotel is now home to the National Museum of the Pacific War. The Nimitz Hotel was recognized as a special historical place in Texas in 1989. Nimitz was also elected to the Texas Legislature in 1890, representing Gillespie, Comal, and Blanco counties.

Early Life and Moving to Texas

Where Charles Nimitz Grew Up

Karl Heinrich Nimitz Jr. was born in Bremen, Germany, on November 9, 1826. His father, Karl Heinrich Nimitz Sr., was a merchant seaman, meaning he worked on trading ships. Young Karl Jr. followed in his father's footsteps and started working on ships when he was just 14 years old.

The Journey to Texas

The Nimitz family began moving to America in the 1840s. The oldest children went first to Charleston, South Carolina, followed by Karl Sr. and his wife Dorothea in 1843. Karl Jr. arrived in 1844. He soon heard exciting stories about Texas. In 1846, he joined a group of German colonists called the Adelsverein. They were settling in a new town called Fredericksburg with a leader named John O. Meusebach.

When he arrived in Fredericksburg, Karl Jr. changed his name to Charles Henry Nimitz. In 1847, he helped ask for Gillespie County to be created. For a short time, he worked as a bookkeeper. In 1851, he joined the Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement group.

The Nimitz Hotel

Building the Famous Steamboat Hotel

In 1852, Charles Nimitz built a hotel that locals called the "Steamboat Hotel." It got this name because its front looked like the bow (front) of a ship. This adobe (mud-brick) hotel was a busy place. It had its own saloon (a place to drink), a brewery (where beer was made), a ballroom that also served as a theater, a smokehouse, and a bath-house.

Famous Guests at the Hotel

Many important people stayed at the Nimitz Hotel. These included famous newspaper editor Horace Greeley, outlaw Johnny Ringo, and even U.S. presidents like Rutherford B. Hayes and Ulysses S. Grant. Other notable guests were generals James Longstreet and Phil Sheridan, and writer William Sydney Porter.

Before the Civil War, Robert E. Lee was stationed at nearby Fort Mason. He visited the Nimitz Hotel so often that Charles Nimitz gave him his own special room. Nimitz would even show this room to other guests when Lee wasn't there. After the war, the hotel became a popular stop for stagecoaches. Charles Nimitz was known for telling funny stories and playing jokes on his guests. In 1906, he gave the hotel to his son, Charles H. Nimitz Jr.

Public Service and Family

Serving in the Military

During the Civil War, Charles Nimitz helped organize a group called the Gillespie Rifles. He was made a captain of this group by the Confederacy.

Becoming a Texas Legislator

In 1890, Charles Nimitz was elected to the Twenty-second Texas Legislature. He represented District 89, which included Gillespie, Comal, and Blanco counties. This meant he helped make laws for the state of Texas.

A Grandfather's Influence

Charles Henry Nimitz had a big impact on his grandson, Chester William Nimitz. Chester's father, Chester Bernard Nimitz, passed away before his son was born on February 24, 1885. So, Charles Henry Nimitz became a father figure and role model for young Chester during his first five years.

In 1890, Chester's mother married his uncle, William Nimitz. They moved to Kerrville, where William managed another hotel. When Chester was a teenager, he was accepted into the United States Naval Academy. He graduated seventh in his class. Chester Nimitz went on to become a very important leader, serving as Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Forces during World War II.

Later Years and Personal Life

Friendship with John O. Meusebach

After John O. Meusebach retired, Charles Henry Nimitz would often ride to his home in Loyal Valley, Texas. They would spend the day together, remembering their long friendship. Meusebach would show Nimitz his orchards and gardens. Nimitz later shared details of Meusebach's gardening achievements in an interview with the Fredericksburg newspaper Das Wochenblatt.

Family Life

In 1848, Charles Nimitz married Sophie Dorothea Mueller. They had twelve children together, and nine of them lived to adulthood. Sophie passed away in 1877 and is buried at Der Stadt Friedhof in Fredericksburg.

Death

Charles Henry Nimitz died on April 28, 1911, in the very hotel he had built. He is buried next to his wife, Sophie.