German Beginnings in Washington, Missouri
A look into German heritage in Franklin County’s historic center
The city of Washington, Missouri will turn 183 years old this May. Washington is located in the heart of Franklin County, along the Missouri River. The town’s rich past can be experienced firsthand by tourists and natives alike, simply by taking a trip down the historic downtown streets that are lined with original brick buildings, restaurants, and factories. However, it is a surprise to many that the arrival of German immigrants to Washington was an integral part of the city’s long history.
How Germans Arrived in Washington
The land that is now known as Washington was settled predominantly by Anglo-Saxons in the late 18th century. However, over the first half of the 19th century, German migration to America began to occur in waves. The first wave of immigrants was often referred to as the “Greys” and was largely inspired by Gottfried Duden’s description of Missouri in Report On A Journey To The Western States of North America in the 1830s.
As these early German settlers established community roots such as the St. Francis Borgia parish and family businesses, a second wave was emerging. The next immigrants were called the “Greens” or “48ers,” and were far different from the Greys. Those who identified as a 48er had left Germany after the failed 1848 Revolution and were largely made up of intellectuals and radicals.
Traces of German Culture
Although these two groups clashed ideologically, their combined contributions helped make Washington what it is today. In addition to taking on roles as farmers, craftsmen, and educators, German Americans also were vocal about expressing their culture in the community.
One example of this involvement was the Theatre Verein. The Theatre Verein was a German drama group that had moved from Hermann to Washington to perform in a theatre hall. Plays and musicals were produced in German, as well as by German community members. Later, a similar group that focused on gymnastics, the Turnverein, also held cultural gatherings that consisted of productions, protests, concerts, and even funerals.
Another instance of German culture in Washington is the presence of journalism. In the second wave of immigration, many educated Germans were passionate writers and journalists who helped in the creation of Washington’s first publication, the Franklin Courier, which was started by a 48er named Adelbert Baudissin. Later, it was joined by Die Washingtoner Post until 1912.
In addition to these contributions, German American heritage is most memorable in wine production and beer brewing. Notably, John B. Busch, the older brother of Adolphus Busch from the Anheuser-Busch brewing company in St. Louis, entered the industry in Washington in 1854. Although the historic brewery is no longer operating, it now serves as a popular event center in downtown Washington for weddings and parties.
Lastly, German culture is evident in the architecture of Washington. The distinct use of brick construction was employed by prominent German American architectures and builders, such as Otto Wilhelmi, Louis and Oscar Mullgardt, and August Beinke. Their impact on the look and feel of the town lead many to go as far as calling it a “solid town of brick.”
