New Ulm, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
New Ulm
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New Ulm logo
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 New Ulm
Location in Texas
New Ulm
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Austin |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP codes |
78950
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| GNIS feature ID | 1363801 |
New Ulm is a small community in Austin County, Texas, United States. It is an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own city government. According to information from 2000, about 650 people lived in New Ulm.
Contents
Where is New Ulm?
New Ulm is located in the western part of Austin County, Texas. You can find it where two roads, Farm Road 109 and Farm Road 1094, meet. It's about 22 miles southwest of a town called Bellville and 16 miles northeast of Columbus.
The Story of New Ulm
The history of New Ulm began in the 1840s. It was first started in 1841 and called Duff's Settlement. This name came from James C. Duff, who bought the land where the community was built. This first settlement was about one mile north of where New Ulm is today.
German Settlers Arrive
In the mid-1840s, more people moved to the area. Many of these new settlers were German-speaking families. They came from nearby communities like Industry, Shelby, and Nassau Farm. These new residents helped the community grow.
A New Name and Growth
The settlers wanted a post office for their community. In 1852, a post office opened and was named New Ulm. This name was chosen to honor the famous German city of Ulm. Many of the new settlers had come from that area of Germany.
During the 1850s, New Ulm was a busy place. It had six general stores where people could buy many different things. There were also five blacksmiths who worked with metal, and three breweries that made drinks. In 1867, a building was constructed that served as both a church and a school.
The Railroad Comes to Town
In 1892, the Missouri–Kansas–Texas (MKT) Railroad bought land from a local resident, Franz Pille. They extended their train line to New Ulm. This new railroad helped the community's economy grow even more. By 1898, about 225 people lived in New Ulm. At that time, many different businesses were open. These included five general stores, a drug store, and shops that made saddles and cabinets. There was even a factory that made soda water!
Modern Times and Community Spirit
A bank opened in New Ulm in 1906. A local newspaper, the New Ulm Enterprise, started publishing in 1910. On April 11, 1916, 21 men in the community decided they needed a way to protect their homes and businesses from fires. This led to the creation of the New Ulm Fire Company, which is now known as the New Ulm Volunteer Fire Department. They bought their first fire engine for $137.50.
By 1930, New Ulm's population was around 500 people, and there were 40 businesses operating. The number of residents dropped to 390 by 1950. However, the community started growing again in the 1960s. By 1968, the population was estimated at 600. This number rose to 650 by 1990 and stayed that way through 2000. Today, New Ulm has an active Chamber of Commerce and a Lions Club, which are groups that help the community. Even though New Ulm is not a city, it still has its own post office with the zip code 78950.
Education in New Ulm
Public education for students in New Ulm is provided by the Columbus Independent School District. This school district has its main office in the city of Columbus, which is in Colorado County.
Images for kids
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Industry State Bank is at FM 109 and FM 1094.
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US Post Office, on Pecan Street.
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Volunteer Fire Department building, opened in 2018, on Walnut Street.
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One of the few original buildings from the 1890s, built when the railway came to town.
