This Historical Marker is located at 1281 Gruene Rd. in the Historical District of Gruene which is in the city limits of New Braunfels. Gruene’s Hall, built in 1878, is Texas’ oldest continually operating and most famous dance hall. By design, not much has physically changed since the Hall was first built. The 6,000 square foot dance hall with a high pitched tin roof still has the original layout with side flaps for open air dancing, a bar in the front, a small lighted stage in the back and a huge outdoor garden. Advertisement signs from the 1930s and 40s still hang in the old hall and around the stage. Many famous artist have performed here including George Strait and Garth Brooks. List of Artist
The Historical Marker Reads:
Gruene’s Hall
Built in 1878 as a saloon and social hall for area cotton farmers, this is believed to one of the oldest dance halls in Texas . Christian Herry (1854-1917) built the hall under the direction of town developer Henry D. Gruene, for whom many of the farmers worked. The center of the community’s social life for over a century, the large one-story structure features a “false front” entry with asymmetrical window and door arrangements.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark -1988