Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Lindheimer emigrated to the United States in 1834 to escape persecution resulting from his political activities.

After military participation in Texas, Lindheimer moved to St. Louis, Missouri to partner in botanical research with George Engelmann and Asa Gray.

His research brought him in touch with John O. Meusebach, after which Lindheimer moved back to Texas where he spent the rest of his life.

A popular architecture style in New England,[5] the saltbox house was also utilized among German immigrants in Texas.

In 1853, Lindheimer became the editor of the Die Neu Braunfels Zeitung, and published it out of his home for the next two decades, converting the rear of his house into a print shop.