A Profile on German Culture in Franklin County, Missouri
Carson Eshenroder, Grace Archbold, Jesse Haynie, Paige Williamson
As we look back on the history of Franklin County, we can see how the early German immigrants played a significant role in building the nation and cultivating their own culture here in the US. Their ideals of seeking a better life and pursuing their dreams helped to define our nation. The early German settlers in Franklin County were true pioneers, paving the way for generations to come.
Immigration
From 1820 to 1830 German immigrants began to arrive in Franklin County in hopes to begin agricultural success in the new country. Like many other German immigrants at the time, they were inspired by the writing of Duden and became known as the ‘Followers of Duden.’ They arrived there just as Franklin began to blow up as a county. The original settlement included the west boundary reaching past the Osage river. With both the Osage and the Missouri river close by, it made Franklin a great place to succeed in farming and old world culture.
German immigrants played a huge role in the development of Franklin County communities in the 1800’s. A failed uprising in Germany lead to a huge wave of upper class Germans who were described as “prosperous and educated” to come to the U.S.. These successful individuals contributed immensely not only to the area’s cultural growth, but commercial, industrial, and architectural expansion. Evidence of these early German settlements can be seen today through architecture and historical buildings.
One of these historical buildings is the Pelster Housebarn that was constructed by Freidrich Wilhelm Pelster, a German immigrant who settled in New Haven. The house still stands today and is a reminder of the history of German Americans in Missouri.
Developments
Washington, Missouri, in Franklin County, is notably one of the first areas in Franklin County where German immigrants settled, most likely becuase land along the Missorui river was naturally the first area to be claimed by early settlers. The small town founded in 1839 grew into a thriving community in the U.S. where German immigrants largely contributed to the success of the area, forming businesses and building homes. The construction of the Pacific Railroad through Washington in 1855 also made Washington a more enticing area. A stereograph of Elm Street in 1870 provides a glimpse into the early days of this small town, which eventually grew into a thriving community of nearly 15,000 people.
The town was home to the C. Kegelmann Cigar Factory until 1889, and a general store owned by H. Poppenhusen. These businesses and buildings are remnants of a taproot once grown by the first German immigrants who settled here. Another prime example of German success in Franklin was the establishment of the John B. Busch Brewery in 1854. John B. Busch was a German immigrant who traveled to Franklin and quickly got busy. His brewery grew to be the largest and most successful brewery in the area, instilling German heritage and a new German Lager drinking culture in Franklin. Thick brick walls can be observed at the John B. Busch brewery, exemplifying German architecture and brickwork. The management of the Brewery was run in a traditional German way, with the intention of taking care of the surrounding community. It did not focus on mass production, rather the quality of its lager and satisfaction of customers. This beer drinking culture developed by the John B. Busch Brewery resembles the extension of German heritage in America, and many other businesses throughout the area exemplified the same heritage.
German immigrants organized together to immigrate to America in droves, driven by a desire to seek a better life and pursue their dreams. One such group was known as the Geissen Immigration Society, which saw over one thousand people apply to join the company, including Friedrich Meunch, who came to Missouri and established farms and wineries.
Franklin County During the Civil War
An important event that took place during the Civil War period in Franklin County is The Great Meeting in Franklin County. The Great Meeting in Franklin County took place in August of 1863 and it was the largest meeting ever held in the county up until then. This event highlights information about the militia’s conduct and management, including instances of corruption and misuse of power. The Committee of Arrangements initially wanted German and English speakers to occupy different and separate sections, but it was eventually decided that they would sit together in the same section instead of being separated. This is a great example of the eventual assimilation of German Americans and Anglo-Americans that took place in Franklin County during the mid-1800s. This event served as a platform for exposing issues within the militia and promoting integration between German Americans and the Anglo Americans.
Overview
German immigrants continued to pour into Franklin County throughout the twentieth century, forever changing its culture and economic success. While assimilation to American life was not always easy, the existing forms of German Heritage today in Franklin County prove the success of German immigrants. The agricultural, architectural, and brewing accomplishments during the development of its cities demonstrates the vibrant German presence and influence over the area.
