Mentz-Bernardo Community

As early as the 1830s German immigrants had begun to settle in the general vicinity of Cat Spring. They were soon joined by others who preferred this region to the various sites that had been designated formal colonization efforts. With the area's continued growth, the settlements of Bernardo (4 mi. E) and Mentz developed as early focal points of the surrounding agricultural community. The German settlers who founded Mentz named the pioneer community for an area of their homeland. Predominately Roman Catholic, they established St. Roch parish by 1858 under the leadership of priests from Frelsburg. The church developed as the religious, social and cultural center of the area. Bernardo was begun about 1845 on an important early route from Houston to inland settlements. Because of its location on the prairie land of the San Bernard River, the rural community was first known as Bernardo Prairie. Once identified by separate schools and post offices, the two settlements now share a common lifestyle and heritage, which reflect the continued influence of the early German settlers. Their descendants still live in the Mentz-Bernardo Community.

Mentz-Bernardo Community is a historical marker in Columbus, Colorado County, dedicated in 1982. It is one of 110 historical markers documented in Colorado County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 129 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.7510, -96.4388 near Columbus. The nearest cataloged historic site is Barten (cemetery), about 2.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include Prause Cemetery, Alleyton, and Alleyton Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5083003341. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.