German Settlement in Missouri: New Land, Old Ways (Missouri Heritage Readers)

by Robyn Burnett, Ken Luebbering

German immigrants came to America for two main reasons: to seek opportunities in the New World, and to avoid political and economic problems in Europe. In German Settlement in Missouri, Robyn Burnett and Ken Luebbering demonstrate the crucial role that the German immigrants and their descendants played in the settlement and development of Missouri's architectural, political, religious, economic, and social landscape. Relying heavily on unpublished memoirs, letters, diaries, and official records, the authors provide important new narratives and firsthand commentary from the immigrants themselves.

Between 1800 and 1919, more than 7 million people came to the United States from German-speaking lands. The German immigrants established towns as they moved up the Missouri River into the frontier, resuming their traditional ways as they settled. As a result, the culture of the frontier changed dramatically. The Germans farmed differently from their American neighbors. They started vineyards and wineries, published German-language newspapers, and entered Missouri politics.

The decades following the Civil War brought the golden age of German culture in the state. The populations of many small towns were entirely German, and traditions from the homeland thrived. German-language schools, publications, and church services were common. As the German businesses in St. Louis and other towns flourished, the immigrants and their descendants prospered. The loyalty of the Missouri Germans was tested in World War I, and the anti-immigrant sentiment during the war and the period of prohibition after it dealt serious blows to their culture. However, German traditions had already found their way into mainstream American life.

Informative and clearly written, German Settlement in Missouri will be of interest to all readers, especially those interested in ethnic history.

Genres: History

144 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1996

Reviews

[Kathy KS]

A short, easy-to-read introduction to the impact of German-speaking immigrants to Missouri. I was hoping for information to help with some new sources while studying my husband and grandkids' separate German family lines.

This will help with some background, but not enough sources were included to match my hopes. But good for the overview.

[Joshua Arnett]

There is NO QUESTION that as a soft boy I would have died on the boat over. Probably would have taken out three dozen others by coughing on them too.

[Clytee]

My people. Five generations of my Dad's family - German settlers in Missouri. And I can't learn enough
about them. Loved this book, gave a copy to each of my siblings for Christmas.

[Elizabeth Marr]

The writing level of this book is for adult new readers. It is a light read with broad strokes and gives a good introduction to the history of Germans in Missouri. While there are no in-text references, there is a “Going Further” reading list.

[Mike Burke]

I am doing research on my German family that came to Jackson County MO in 1869. The book mainly covers families in eastern MO. The stories have given me some clues to follow up on. I recommend the book to anyone who is doing family research. Easy to read.

[Taylor]

Fair amount on Westphalia and Washington, Missouri, along the Missouri River.

[Adam Gutschenritter]

Good overview of the German history of Missouri.

[Mick Maurer]

A good short work on the settlement of Missouri by the Germans.

[Angie]

I am German and from Missouri. I found this book fascinating, and easy to read. I enjoy learning about my German American heritage and where it all began.

[KellyWells]

basic history. Nothing too exciting.