Boerne: a namesake with a different name, and who never visited the town named after him

Boerne was first settled by German immigrants in 1849. After forming a small encampment, their first choice in naming their new community was Tusculum, after Cicero’s home in ancient Rome.  This name was evidently too cosmic for Texas even by 19th century standards.  In 1852 the town’s permanent site was laid out and its name was changed to Boerne in honor of Ludwig Börne, a German poet and publicist. Ironically, Mr. Börne never stepped foot in the town that was named after him.

Scene from Main Street

Main Street in 360