The Journey of German Lutherans to Missouri
A group of German Lutherans made an embark across seas to Missouri like many others before, and many others after them. But their journey is one like no other. The writing in these papers describes the difficulties of ocean travel to New Orleans and riverboat travel to St. Louis. There are also inclusions of the economic conditions, prices, religious beliefs, organization of the colony, and impressions of Martin Stephan. This object came from the stories of immigrants traveling from Saxony, which is a state in eastern Germany, to the land of Missouri.
History has always been a point of interest for me and studying artifacts from this time period of change, uncertainty, and hope helped me to understand these people and immerse myself in their struggles and victories. But even with the helpful information this object provided, there is still a need to conceptualize this newfound knowledge and have a clearer understanding of the historical context behind the object.
During the early 1800s, Missouri became the central hub of immigration for Germans leaving their homeland. They were influenced by Gottfried Duden and his idyllic styles of writing which pushed a large number of Germans to make the daunting move and transition to the New World. There were many reasons why Germans chose to leave their families, friends, and sense of home. Some of these reasons include an ongoing revolution, societal classes becoming more prevalent, and taxes being too high.
Missouri during this time period was in a state of rapid growth both in area and population, specifically in the city of St. Louis. Steamboat traffic was growing exponentially due to the westward expansion, public school systems had begun, the city waterworks started, and many new churches were even created. The object I examined reflects some of this history, especially regarding steamboat travel. The Germans who wrote these papers had first-hand experience with river travel to the city of St. Louis. But even though these voyages were a step in the right direction for travel there were still many dangers that the Germans had to face while being on board. One of the biggest risks was potential boiler explosions. In addition to this, the Germans were very crowded on these boats with large amounts of immigrants making the trip to St. Louis. This led to poor living and traveling conditions.
The Germans who wrote these papers came from Saxony and called themselves the Stephanites. These papers were written for an intended audience of future German immigrants and possibly those a part of the Saxon Lutheran religion. These papers document the journey this group experienced in which they wrote about their struggles in hopes to help assist their fellow Germans in the long and difficult voyage to America. This Stephanite immigration took place in the late 1830s and included hundreds of people making the trek to Missouri. When they arrived in St. Louis the American citizens began to take notice of them and the dynamic between the group and its leader Martin Stephen. The majority of Germans lived in horrible conditions in comparison to Stephen which caused suspicion in the Americans. In addition to this and the actions of Stephen, the perceptions of these St. Louis citizens changed and they began to think of the leader differently and in a more negative light.
This group of German immigrants was a part of the Saxon Lutheran religion and had a very unique set of beliefs associated with their faith. Specifically, conservative Lutherans believed that their faith was being diminished by the movement in their home country. This new movement raised the ideas of logic and reason over the word of God which the Stephanites did not agree with. They felt as though they could no longer stay in Germany and practice their faith in the ways they believed were right. Therefore, because of their strong beliefs in faith being more important than the country, they decided to leave and formed an emigration society that would move to Missouri.
But even with all the struggles of a long journey, leaving their home, and experiencing toxic leadership with toxic conditions they managed to make their mark in powerful ways in the areas of Missouri. At a certain point in history, the large number of German immigrants began to outnumber and overpower the native Missourians. They started to make St. Louis their home by forming communities with each other where they shared their religion, language, and traditions. In St. Louis, there were even street signs that were changed to fit the German language because of the mark they made on the city.
This object showcases the true struggles these people faced in the hope to find a better life that suited their morals and values. These papers are yet another example of Germans giving forms of advice and information necessary to have a better life in America. Examining this archival object in detail helped me to see just how important German immigration was to Missouri.
I was able to see how immigration was different for those traveling together in a specific religious group with a leader who possessed toxic tendencies. I had never heard about the German Saxon Lutherans and never knew how connected they were to the history of the city of St. Louis. I found it intriguing to research and read about their unique experience with Martin Stephan, and it made me realize how easy it can be to fall under the charisma and charm of powerful leaders during times of change and uncertainty.
