Hill Country Memorial Hospital

Fredericksburg is the seat of Gillespie County in the state of Texas, and as of the 2010 Census, the city had a population of 10,530. Founded in 1846 and named after Prince Frederick of Prussia, old-time German residents often referred to Fredericksburg as Fritztown, a nickname that is still used in some businesses. The town is also notable as the home of Texas German, a dialect spoken by the first generations of German settlers who initially refused to learn English. Fredericksburg shares many cultural characteristics with New Braunfels, which was established by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels the previous year. In October 1970 the Fredericksburg Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in Texas. The Fredericksburg-Stonewall area has become known as the Peach Capital of Texas. Growers claim the taste is due to the area having the right combination of elevation, sandy soil, and climate to produce flavorful clingstone and freestone peaches. Herb farms, grape culture, lavender production and wildflower seeds have become burgeoning businesses in Fredericksburg. Combining agribusiness with day spas, wedding facilities, or bed and breakfast accommodations is not unusual. There is even a Texas Hill Country Lavender Trail.