Principles of hard work and celebration of success caused the New Braunfelsers' work ethic to kick into gear immediately. Nicolaus Zink surveyed and platted the town and farm lots. The downtown streets traveled today are the same widths and layouts as drawn up in 1845. A prized feature is downtowns distinctively European "Main Plaza," which has always been the center of trade and celebrations.

"The thought came to me involuntarily upon viewing the city and beautiful fruitful valley from a distance, what an earthly paradise could be created here through the hands of an industrious and cultured population." 

- Dr. Ferdinand von Roemer, 1845