Fredericksburg Has Roots Spread Throughout the U.S.A

By Shelby Crews, OLLI TTU Director

As a small rural village in Texas, Fredericksburg is well-known beyond the bounds of Texas and the United States. Products like wines and high-tech equipment are exported widely. In addition, dozens of events like Oktoberfest attract over three million visitors from around the world every year.

On March 19, OLLI Instructor and Advisory Board member, Ross Bigelow, Ph.D., gave an educational and entertaining presentation to a full OLLI classroom titled Hill Country Links to the World. This class took a look at the breadth and impact of our little burg! Participants learned how the small towns in the Hill Country have a huge influence all across the world.

As many across the nation are aware, Fredericksburg is bustling with wineries and vineyards. The town is unique for the state of Texas, where wine is not always the first thing that comes to mind to someone beyond the state line. Another well-known product grown locally in Fredericksburg includes peaches. The area is so plentiful that Fredericksburg peaches are wanted nationwide, and hold a higher standard for other growers.

In addition, there was discussion about some products that weren't quite as familiar, like high-tech equipment. As the industry grows, Fredericksburg is bound to be recognized just as much for their role in the tech industry as they are with the wine and peach industries. Bigelow also shared the economic benefit that tourism has to communities like Fredericksburg. From the winery tours to the shops on Main Street, tourist dollars have a big influence on the health and wealth of the community.