Hermann Heights Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hermann Monument
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Hermann Heights Monument in 2013
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Hermann Heights Park, New Ulm, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1888–1897 |
| Architect | Julius Berndt |
| Sculptor | Alfonz Pelzer |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000965 |
| Added to NRHP | October 2, 1973 |
The Hermann Heights Monument is a huge statue in New Ulm, Minnesota. It shows a brave ancient German leader named Arminius, also known as Hermann. Many people call the statue Hermann the German. This special monument reminds people of their German family history. It's the only one of its kind listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Minnesota. Visitors can climb stairs inside the monument to a viewing platform. From there, you can see amazing views of New Ulm and the Minnesota River Valley.
Why Hermann the German is Important
This statue celebrates a big German victory over the Romans. This happened at the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest a long time ago. It is a strong symbol of German pride and freedom.
People in Germany knew about Arminius for centuries. But in the 1700s, thinkers began to call him "Hermann Deutsch." They saw him as a hero who fought against outside control. In the 1800s, the statue also came to mean German unity. It showed a desire for freedom from countries like France.
The statue of Hermann looks to the east. His sword is raised high. This shows freedom from the old Roman power.
What the Hermann Monument Looks Like
The Hermann Monument is about 102 feet (31 m) tall. That's like a 10-story building! The statue itself is 27 feet (8.2 m) tall. It is made of copper sheets shaped over an iron frame.
Hermann stands on a 70 feet (21 m) iron column. A spiral staircase wraps around this column. This staircase leads up to a dome. The dome is held up by 10 iron columns. The whole structure sits on a base made of Kasota stone.
History of the Hermann Monument
A similar statue, the Hermannsdenkmal, was finished in Germany in 1875. After that, a German-American group called the Sons of Hermann wanted to build one in America. Julius Berndt, who led the New Ulm chapter, helped make this happen.
Berndt designed the monument's setting. The first stone was placed in 1888. The statue was made by Alfonz Pelzer in Ohio. It arrived in New Ulm in 1890 and was officially opened in 1897.
The monument has been fixed up a few times. Big repairs happened in 1998 and again in 2004.
In 1973, the Hermann Heights Monument was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is the third largest copper statue in the United States. Only the Statue of Liberty and "Portlandia" in Oregon are bigger.
In the year 2000, the 106th United States Congress made the Hermann Monument an official symbol. It represents all people with German heritage in the United States.
In 2009, a small fire happened at the base of the monument. Officials checked to make sure the monument was still strong. It remains open for visitors today.
