Where is the second tallest monument in the U.S.? The Statue of Liberty is the tallest. Would you believe the second tallest is in New Ulm, Minnesota? Whom do you think is atop this New Ulm monument? Hint: In what country is the old Ulm? So, let’s look for a famous man from that country. If you should guess (or know) that it is Hermann, then you would be correct. We just learned that Hermann defeated the Romans in 9 A.D. and halted the expansion of Rome into the areas north of the Rhine River. Friedrich Beinhorn emigrated from Germany in 1852 and worked with immigrant groups to launch the settlement which became New Ulm in Minnesota, 90 minutes southwest of Minneapolis (if you go by car). It was not easy to get New Ulm going. There were two Dakota Indian battles in 1862 followed by a locust plague and a horrific cyclone.
Some say New Ulm is the best way to visit Germany in the U.S. There are year-around festivals (40 to 60 events listed each year), cultural events, German architecture, culinary delights, a brewery, and a winery (with tasting tours).
Close to the Hermann monument is the Glockenspiel with performances by 12 animated figures telling the story of the early German settlers. During the Christmas season, these give way to a creche display. The carillon also plays three times each day. The Bohemian immigrants also have their own display. They came from the German-speaking western rim of Bohemia. They and their descendants are renowned for their rich musical traditions which they parade at festivals and other performances. A major event is Fasching, the South German version of Mardi Gras, which will falls on February 24 next year, preceding the Lenten season. It features a "fool’s parade". Members wear colorful costumes and handcrafted masks. Originally, it was meant to chase winter away. On the same day another Fasching will be held at the brewery. It is called "Bock Fest" (Bock means goat). The Bock is ancient symbol for winter to be chased away. In New Ulm, the name of the game is to capture one of the seven Böcke. A word of warning - all Bock festivities are held outdoors and sometimes the Böcke have not been chased away.
In summer time, July more exactly, the fools of Fasching show up again to entertain visitors. Also, the Heinzelmännchenfamilie, the garden gnomes, show up to entertain. There is Hans, his wife Carolla, son Johann, and daughter Angelika. Though these garden gnomes are popular in Germany, they originated in Turkey. Over the centuries they emigrated to Germany. The fall of the year brings Oktoberfest. Need I say more? There is more.
(30 Oct 03)
We gratefully acknowledge the work of John Blankenbaker who published over 2,500 Germanna History Notes via the Germanna-L@rootsweb.com email list from 1997 to 2008. We are equally thankful to George Durman (Sgt. George) for hosting the list and republishing the notes via rootsweb.com.