Back in the early history of the Republic of Texas, that is before Texas joined the Confederacy and then the United States, a land rush began and lasted into the late 1800's. Included in this land rush were many German and Czech immigrants. They created settlements with names like Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, Gruene and many others. One settlement made famous by Texas Country Singers in their songs is Luckenbach, Texas. This area of south central Texas is affectionately called the "Texas Hill Country". These early German and Czech Immigrants to Texas made their living by farming and ranching (and a little bit of Beer Brewing). Their homes were built using materials found right on the land. Lumber Yards haven't been invented as yet. Materials such as cypress wood, cedar, adobe brick and that familiar white limestone we today call "Austin Stone". The original homes were quite simple with straight roofs. These types of homes are still called the "Ranch Style". Nothing to do with canned beans. The German and Czech immigrants mixed some of their own personal influences such as elaborate mill work on the porches and gables. Since Texas is the Lone Star State, the Texas Ranger Star became and still is a popular adornment.