In 1856 Nicolaus Gerhard (1810-1894), a German immigrant, bought this land, where he lived with his son Michael in a log cabin. In 1866 Nicolaus had local German stonemasons build this house, using rocks found in a nearby pasture. Michael Gerhard sold the home in 1904 to skilled stonemason Robert Rausch and his wife Bertha. The house served as headquarters for the Rausch family ranch until 1976, when the property was sold. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1983 Incise on base: Purchased and restored by Ronald and Karen Herrmann