New Ulm in Brown County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Frederick Forster Building
New Ulm Historic Trail
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, June 20, 2013
1. Frederick Forster Building Marker
Frederick Forster, who conducted the New Ulm Pottery here with Frances Gommel, was also the Postmaster. This building, used as a combined pottery works, Post Office and dwelling, was a very important defense outpost in 1862.
During the Second Battle of New Ulm, Henry Swift, future Governor of Minnesota, and about twenty men were assigned to defend this structure.
"A number of our men took possession of the brick Post Office…and loopholed it in all stories and through the roof, thus protecting quite a range of the rear of the town," wrote Colonel Flandrau.
Even though the building was outside the barricaded area, the defenders were able to repulse all Indian advances and retained possession to the end of the fight.
This is one of the few buildings remaining from the time of the Uprising. The exterior walls have been covered with stucco, but the building remains essentially unchanged.
Erected by Abel's Electric Motor Shop, Irvin C. Abel, Fay B. Abel and Brown County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 44° 18.846′ N, 94° 27.725′ W. Marker is in New Ulm, Minnesota
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Forster Building (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Forster Building (a few steps from this marker); New Ulm (within shouting distance of this marker); Jacob Nix Platz (within shouting distance of this marker); Arbeiter Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Two Battles of New Ulm (about 300 feet away); Somsen Hitching Post (about 400 feet away); Dacotah House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Ulm.
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, June 20, 2013
2. Forster Building
The oldest commercial building in the city; the exterior walls have been covered with stucco, but the building remains essentially unchanged.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 9, 2020, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 161 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 30, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
