The Untold Story of the Texas Wends: A Journey Across Continents

2025-01-11
The Untold Story of the Texas Wends: A Journey Across Continents

In 1854, 558 Sorbian/Wendish people, led by Pastor John Kilian, embarked on a perilous journey from Lusatia (modern-day Germany) to Texas. Driven by religious conflict, they braved the Atlantic crossing and the threat of yellow fever, finally settling in Lee County and establishing Serbin. Despite the eventual dominance of German and English, the Wends tenaciously preserved their unique culture and language. Today, their heritage lives on through the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum, an annual festival, and the enduring spirit of their descendants.