New Ulm in Brown County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
GermanBohemian Immigrants Monument
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, May 16, 2013
1. German–Bohemian Immigrants Monument Marker
Inscription.
GermanBohemian Immigrants Monument. . This monument was erected in 1991 by the German-Bohemian Heritage Society to commemorate the immigrants to this region from the German speaking western rim of present-day Czechoslovakia. They emigrated from the counties of Bischofteinitz, Mies and Taus in the province of Pilsen, as shown on the European map and settled in the townships sketched on the U.S. map. Around the base in the granite slabs are inscribed the over 350 immigrant family names as they were approximately spelled when the families departed their old homeland. Known at the time of their departure as Bohemia, a crown colony in the Austro-Hungarian empire, this region in the 20th century was included in the larger periphery of the Czech nation designated as the Sudetenland, more locally it was called the Bohmerwald Bohemian Forest, a ridge of high hills that forms a natural border with Germany. , The immigrants came mostly from small villages with the largest numbers from the village centers of Hostau, Muttersdorf and Ronsberg. These were farm communities where the people lived and housed their stock, going out daily to work their scattered non-contiguous fields. Most villages had Catholic churches or chapels and the residents spoke a Bohemian dialect of German. From New Years day to Christmas each year they observed special traditions spiced with large wedding celebrations and funerals attended by the entire communities. Music in every form--bands, singing societies, and choirs--permeated all the aspects of village life. , Many German-Bohemian traditions crossed the ocean to the New Ulm region. Some immigrants from Bohemia were among the earliest farm settlers arriving by ship on the Minnesota River within two years after German Turners founded the city. Beginning in 1856 they farmed in Cottonwood Township, then extended their settlement northward into St. George and westward into Sigel Township, Sleepy Eye and farther west. As more and more arrived (after 1872 by rail) they could no longer all farm. Beginning around 1880 they acquired homes especially in the southeast section of the city of New Ulm, an area they affectionately called the Ganseviertel, Goosetown. They also concentrated in the Wallachei (Low Land) region to the west. Farther north in the city, retired farmers built homes near Trinity Catholic Church. Younger city dwellers often labored in the roller mills, the breweries and as carpenters, masons and cigar makers. Among them in later years were also doctors, painters, musicians, butchers and blacksmiths. Many women eared extra money Klopping (making lace) and sewing feather-filled bedding. The Bohemian Heritage has been most strongly exhibited in the "Old Time" band traditions of Southern Minnesota.
This monument was erected in 1991 by the German-Bohemian Heritage Society to commemorate the immigrants to this region from the German speaking western rim of present-day Czechoslovakia. They emigrated from the counties of Bischofteinitz, Mies and Taus in the province of Pilsen, as shown on the European map and settled in the townships sketched on the U.S. map. Around the base in the granite slabs are inscribed the over 350 immigrant family names as they were approximately spelled when the families departed their old homeland. Known at the time of their departure as Bohemia, a crown colony in the Austro-Hungarian empire, this region in the 20th century was included in the larger periphery of the Czech nation designated as the Sudetenland, more locally it was called the Bohmerwald Bohemian Forest, a ridge of high hills that forms a natural border with Germany.
The immigrants came mostly from small villages with the largest numbers from the village centers of Hostau, Muttersdorf and Ronsberg. These were farm communities where the people lived and housed their stock, going out daily to work their scattered non-contiguous fields. Most villages had Catholic churches or chapels and the residents spoke a Bohemian dialect of German. From New Years day to Christmas each year they observed special traditions spiced with large wedding
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celebrations and funerals attended by the entire communities. Music in every form--bands, singing societies, and choirs--permeated all the aspects of village life.
Many German-Bohemian traditions crossed the ocean to the New Ulm region. Some immigrants from Bohemia were among the earliest farm settlers arriving by ship on the Minnesota River within two years after German Turners founded the city. Beginning in 1856 they farmed in Cottonwood Township, then extended their settlement northward into St. George and westward into Sigel Township, Sleepy Eye and farther west. As more and more arrived (after 1872 by rail) they could no longer all farm. Beginning around 1880 they acquired homes especially in the southeast section of the city of New Ulm, an area they affectionately called the Ganseviertel, Goosetown. They also concentrated in the Wallachei (Low Land) region to the west. Farther north in the city, retired farmers built homes near Trinity Catholic Church. Younger city dwellers often labored in the roller mills, the breweries and as carpenters, masons and cigar makers. Among them in later years were also doctors, painters, musicians, butchers and blacksmiths. Many women eared extra money Klopping (making lace) and sewing feather-filled bedding. The Bohemian Heritage has been most strongly exhibited in the "Old Time" band traditions of Southern Minnesota.
Erected
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, May 16, 2013
2. German–Bohemian Immigrants Monument Marker
1991 by the German-Bohemian Heritage Society.
Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1991.
Location. 44° 18.963′ N, 94° 27.562′ W. Marker is in New Ulm, Minnesota, in Brown County. Marker is at the intersection of North German Street and North 2nd Street, on the right when traveling north on North German Street. Marker is at German Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 North German Street, New Ulm MN 56073, United States of America. Touch for directions.
"I grew up in an environment which included the German-Bohemian culture. Already as a young man I recognized the uniqueness about this culture. Belonging to this organization has taught me just how unique and special it is. This makes my job not one of labor, but rather one of love."
Paul Kretsch, President of the German-Bohemian
Heritage Society from 1989 to 2004, played a
significant role in the planning, fund raising, and
construction of the German-Bohemian Immigrant
Monument. He worked tirelessly to communicate
and foster an understanding and deep appreciation
of the German-Bohemian people, their rich cultural
heritage, unique language and beautiful music.
We are grateful for his many years of leadership
and service to the GBHS and the City of New Ulm.
Paul will not be forgotten.
Dedicated August 18, 2007
Rudolf Kiefner's leadership, determination, and
untiring zeal were a great inspiration to the
planning and construction of the German-Bohemian
Immigrant Monument. He formed a bond between
people of this area and many in Europe. He hoped
the monument would serve as a remembrance for
future generations, and bind together forever the
people whose ancestors shared the same homeland.
This community has lost a good friend.
May he always be remembered.
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, May 16, 2013
16. View from Monument
Angel of the Waters Fountain in German Park
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,705 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 26, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 6. submitted on March 16, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 7. submitted on July 26, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. submitted on March 16, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 14, 15, 16. submitted on July 26, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.