Local History

Boerne was founded by German immigrants in the 1850s

German settlers laid out Boerne in 1852 and named it after a German writer. The town became the county seat of Kendall County in 1862.

Kendall County History & Culture

Boerne was laid out in 1852 by John James and Gustav Theissen. They named it after Karl Ludwig Börne, a German author and journalist.

The town grew from German and Prussian immigrants. Many came to Texas through the Adelsverein, an organization that helped German settlers move to the Hill Country.

Kendall County was formed in 1862. Boerne became the county seat by just 67 votes. The county was named after George Wilkins Kendall, a journalist and rancher.

Today, Boerne's Main Street still shows its German roots in some of its buildings and local traditions.

Source to confirm: City of Boerne — Boerne History

More Kendall County notes

Property Tax

Two offices handle your property tax in Kendall County

The appraisal district sets your home's value, and a separate tax office handles billing — knowing which office to call saves time.

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Homestead Exemption

A homestead exemption lowers the taxable value of your home

If your Kendall County home is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption that lowers your property tax bill.

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Ag / Wildlife Valuation

Landowners can keep ag tax rates by managing wildlife

If your land already has an agricultural tax valuation, you may be able to switch to wildlife management use and keep the lower tax rate.

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Groundwater / Water Wells

A special district regulates water wells in Kendall County

The Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District controls well drilling in Kendall County — you need a permit before you drill.

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