Germantown Colony and Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Germantown
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Countess Leon's House at Germantown Colony
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 Location in Louisiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | Off U.S. 79, Webster Parish, Louisiana, seven miles northeast of Minden, Louisiana |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1835 |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001100 |
| Added to NRHP | March 12, 1979 |
The Germantown Colony and Museum is a special place in Webster Parish, Louisiana. It's a museum and a historic site located about 7 miles (11 km) north of Minden. This site is famous for being the location of Louisiana's first religious community. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Contents
A Unique Community: The Germantown Colony
The Germantown Colony was the first religious community in Louisiana where people lived and worked together. It was started in 1836 by a group of German settlers. These settlers followed the ideas of a religious leader named Maximilian Ludwig, also known as the "Count of Leon."
Founding and Life in the Colony
The colony was founded by Elisa Leon, who was Maximilian Ludwig's widow. In this community, everyone shared everything they owned. Following religious rules was very important. Even though there were only about 35 people, they worked together and the colony became successful.
Challenges and the Colony's End
The Germantown Colony was known for its peaceful ways. They also lived a simple life. These things made life hard during the American Civil War. The war caused many problems for the colony. Because of these difficulties, the community eventually ended in 1871.
Exploring the Historic Buildings
The Germantown Colony once had many buildings. There were houses, barns, stores, and even special places like a kitchen-dining hall. There was also a "bachelor's hall" for single men. Most of these old buildings are gone today.
Surviving Structures
Only two main historic buildings remain from the original colony. These are Countess Leon's home and the kitchen-dining hall. Both buildings were made from strong logs. The logs were carefully shaped and fit together at the corners. The kitchen-dining hall also has a stone cellar underground. There is a small wooden shack next to it. Many windows have been replaced over time. The porches you see today are not the original ones.
A Glimpse into the Past
These surviving buildings, along with other rustic structures, show what life was like for the early settlers. Their simple and basic design helps us understand how the people of Germantown lived.
Germantown Museum Today
Today, the Germantown site is a museum. It is located several miles off U.S. 79. It is also about nine miles north of Interstate 20. The museum helps visitors learn about this unique part of Louisiana's history.
Gallery
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Germantown Colony Museum sign in Webster Parish, Louisiana
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Wagon in blacksmith shop at Germantown Museum
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Sugar cane press at Germantown
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Open field at Germantown
