Interesting Project: Hermann the German
New Ulm features a rich, dramatic history. German settlers founded New Ulm in the 1850s and that history is honored still through a number of community festivities and monuments. In this week’s Interesting Project series, an old soul is restored.
History of Hermann the German
Hermann the Cheruscan was an ancient hero who literated Germany from Roman rule in 9 A.D. Hermann serves as a symbol of honor and pride as the father of German independence. A national Order of Hermann’s Son’s was founded in New York in 1840, 47 short years later the Order commissioned a statue of Hermann to be erected in New Ulm. The project took nearly a decade to complete and was designated by the U.S. Congress in 2007 as a national symbol of German heritage.
New Ulm’s Hermann the German monument stands 102 feet and weighs more than 4,000 pounds. Visitors can ascend the monument to take in the picturesque view of New Ulm and the river valley. This monument is situated on the grounds of Hermann Heights Park.
Restoring Hermann the German
In February of 2003, restoration of Hermann the German began. After 106 years of standing tall, a new boot, a repaired shoulder and some much needed soldering were completed to repair several dozen bullet holes in the copper skin.
“A southern Minnesota landmark returned to its lofty pedestal Tuesday in New Ulm. A crane lifted Hermann the German, all 32 feet of him, into place. The copper statue was taken down about a year and a half ago to repair more than 100 years of wear.”
A couple hundred people were in attendance as the team once again placed the 4,000 pound statue on top of the monument after Hermann the German was fully restored.
Interesting Project Series
At Schaefer Crane Service, we do not stick to one industry we do business with. As a result, we find ourselves doing some very interesting projects. Stay tuned for more projects our company has played a role in. Next up in the series: Schell’s Brewery.