| German Americans During the Civil War |
Germans fought on both sides during the Civil War. Some
were new immigrants who were recruited right off the docks
and promised instant income while others responded to
recruitment ads appealing to their sense of brotherhood and
justice. Approximately 516,000 soldiers in the Civil War,
almost a quarter of the total fighting force, were German-
Americans, and 216,000 German-born men were on the rolls
of both the North and the South, 177,000 of them in the
Union Army. Sixty seven received the Medal of Honor.
were new immigrants who were recruited right off the docks
and promised instant income while others responded to
recruitment ads appealing to their sense of brotherhood and
justice. Approximately 516,000 soldiers in the Civil War,
almost a quarter of the total fighting force, were German-
Americans, and 216,000 German-born men were on the rolls
of both the North and the South, 177,000 of them in the
Union Army. Sixty seven received the Medal of Honor.
One German Civil War figure was Carl Schurz. Schurz, who in Germany had an academic career at
the University of Bonn, became involved in the revolutionary movement of 1848. He joined the
forces of the revolution, and was one of the defenders of the Fortress of Rastatt in 1849. When the
fortress fell, Schurz escaped to freedom and was later involved in a daring rescue of his Professor,
Gottfried Kinkel, who had led the revolution, only to be arrested and sentenced to life behind bars.
the University of Bonn, became involved in the revolutionary movement of 1848. He joined the
forces of the revolution, and was one of the defenders of the Fortress of Rastatt in 1849. When the
fortress fell, Schurz escaped to freedom and was later involved in a daring rescue of his Professor,
Gottfried Kinkel, who had led the revolution, only to be arrested and sentenced to life behind bars.
Schurz left Germany a hero. After marriage and many more adventures,
Schurz at last ended up in America, where he became a confidante of
Abraham Lincoln and he served as minister to Spain and later as an officer
of the line in the 11th Corps, which boasted a number of German
regiments.
Schurz at last ended up in America, where he became a confidante of
Abraham Lincoln and he served as minister to Spain and later as an officer
of the line in the 11th Corps, which boasted a number of German
regiments.
Confederate general Jeb Stuart's aide was Major Johann August Heinrich
Heros Von Borcke, a tall, handsome Prussian noble from a military family.
Serving in the Second Brandenburg Regiment of Dragoons when the Civil
War began, Heros departed for the Confederacy, landing in South Carolina
in May of 1862. Becaming a close friend of Jeb Stuart, he stayed on with
Stuart for a year and later documented his exploits. Much admired by his
comrades, Von Borcke returned to Prussia to serve his native land in the
war with Austria in 1866; to his amusement, Prussian military genius
Helmuth von Moltke once greeted him with the words, "So, are you not
the American?" Forced into early retirement in 1867 from an old war injury,
Von Borcke married and had three sons. From his castle estate in Germany,
he flew the Confederate flag from its turrets.
Heros Von Borcke, a tall, handsome Prussian noble from a military family.
Serving in the Second Brandenburg Regiment of Dragoons when the Civil
War began, Heros departed for the Confederacy, landing in South Carolina
in May of 1862. Becaming a close friend of Jeb Stuart, he stayed on with
Stuart for a year and later documented his exploits. Much admired by his
comrades, Von Borcke returned to Prussia to serve his native land in the
war with Austria in 1866; to his amusement, Prussian military genius
Helmuth von Moltke once greeted him with the words, "So, are you not
the American?" Forced into early retirement in 1867 from an old war injury,
Von Borcke married and had three sons. From his castle estate in Germany,
he flew the Confederate flag from its turrets.
In Germany, Franz Sigel was trained as a military officer in the regular army but
quickly sided with the revolutionaries in 1848, and became minister of war in the
provisional republic declared in May 1849. With the total collapse of the
Revolutionary movement, he and thousands of others were forced into American
exile. Missouri governor Nathaniel Lyon and Franz Sigel formed five nearly all
German regiments to keep Missouri in the Union. Eighty percent of Lyon's forces
that converged on Camp Jackson were German. They saw the "war to save the
Union" as the continuation of the German Revolution of 1848-49, which failed to
unite the German states and provide for democratic reforms.
quickly sided with the revolutionaries in 1848, and became minister of war in the
provisional republic declared in May 1849. With the total collapse of the
Revolutionary movement, he and thousands of others were forced into American
exile. Missouri governor Nathaniel Lyon and Franz Sigel formed five nearly all
German regiments to keep Missouri in the Union. Eighty percent of Lyon's forces
that converged on Camp Jackson were German. They saw the "war to save the
Union" as the continuation of the German Revolution of 1848-49, which failed to
unite the German states and provide for democratic reforms.
Friedrich Hecker was born in 1811 into a successful family in Baden. After studying in Mannheim,
he read for law at the universities of Heidelberg and Munich, receiving his doctorate. In 1838, he
began his law practice and married in 1839. Hecker won a seat in the Baden State Assembly in 1842
and soon received attention and popular support all over Germany in 1845 when he opposed the
incorporation of German speaking Schleswig-Holstein into Denmark. In 1848, Hecker and Gustav
Struve called an assembly of the people at Offenburg in March of 1848, seeking to eliminate the
royal governments. Failing to obtain the support in the German Parliament at Frankfurt, Hecker and
Struve called for a general armed uprising on behalf of a German Republic on April 12,1848.
he read for law at the universities of Heidelberg and Munich, receiving his doctorate. In 1838, he
began his law practice and married in 1839. Hecker won a seat in the Baden State Assembly in 1842
and soon received attention and popular support all over Germany in 1845 when he opposed the
incorporation of German speaking Schleswig-Holstein into Denmark. In 1848, Hecker and Gustav
Struve called an assembly of the people at Offenburg in March of 1848, seeking to eliminate the
royal governments. Failing to obtain the support in the German Parliament at Frankfurt, Hecker and
Struve called for a general armed uprising on behalf of a German Republic on April 12,1848.
With a small force they marched from Constance through the Black Forest,
being defeated by a force of Baden and Hessian troops commanded by General
Friedrich von Gagern, who died in the battle. Hecker fled to Switzerland where
he tried to foment another revolt, but failing, he left for America. He intended to
buy a farm in southern Illinois, but in spring of 1849, an uprising in Baden
prompted Hecker to return to Germany and join the revolution. The battle was
lost by the time he reached Strasbourg and he returned to America where he
reinvented himself as a farmer. He bought land in Illinois and began raising
grapes using modern technology. He lived a rather apolitical life, although he
was a member of the new Republican Party.
being defeated by a force of Baden and Hessian troops commanded by General
Friedrich von Gagern, who died in the battle. Hecker fled to Switzerland where
he tried to foment another revolt, but failing, he left for America. He intended to
buy a farm in southern Illinois, but in spring of 1849, an uprising in Baden
prompted Hecker to return to Germany and join the revolution. The battle was
lost by the time he reached Strasbourg and he returned to America where he
reinvented himself as a farmer. He bought land in Illinois and began raising
grapes using modern technology. He lived a rather apolitical life, although he
was a member of the new Republican Party.
By 1860, an estimated 1.3 million German born immigrants lived in the United
States; 200 German language magazines and newspapers were published in this
country, there were dozens of German breweries and beer gardens, bands, singing
and shooting clubs. Between 1860 and 1890, an estimated 2.8 million German-born
immigrants lived in the USA. A majority of the German born were located in the
"German triangle," whose 3 points were Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and St. Louis.
States; 200 German language magazines and newspapers were published in this
country, there were dozens of German breweries and beer gardens, bands, singing
and shooting clubs. Between 1860 and 1890, an estimated 2.8 million German-born
immigrants lived in the USA. A majority of the German born were located in the
"German triangle," whose 3 points were Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and St. Louis.
Behind the Empire State came Missouri with 30,000 and Ohio with 20,000. Pennsylvania and
Michigan contributed thousands, as did Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas
and other states. The German 48'ers and their children enlisted in what they called the "Zweiter
Freiheitskampf," their second fight for liberty.
Michigan contributed thousands, as did Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas
and other states. The German 48'ers and their children enlisted in what they called the "Zweiter
Freiheitskampf," their second fight for liberty.
Brilliant Prussian staff officer, Alexander Von Schimmelfennig of Philadelphia, left,
also a 48er, taught drill and techniques he learned in the Prussian military.
also a 48er, taught drill and techniques he learned in the Prussian military.
"The man who in times of popular excitement boldly and unflinchingly resists hot-tempered clamor for an
unnecessary war, and thus exposes himself to the opprobrious imputation of a lack of patriotism or of courage, to
the end of saving his country from a great calamity, is, as to "loving and faithfully serving his country," at least
as good a patriot as the hero of the most daring feat of arms, and a far better one than those who, with an
ostentatious pretense of superior patriotism, cry for war before it is needed, especially if then they let others do
the fighting." Carl Schurz, 1898
unnecessary war, and thus exposes himself to the opprobrious imputation of a lack of patriotism or of courage, to
the end of saving his country from a great calamity, is, as to "loving and faithfully serving his country," at least
as good a patriot as the hero of the most daring feat of arms, and a far better one than those who, with an
ostentatious pretense of superior patriotism, cry for war before it is needed, especially if then they let others do
the fighting." Carl Schurz, 1898
Schurz was later promoted to major general and saw action at Nashville
and Chattanooga. At the end of the war, he was chief of staff to General
William Tecumseh Sherman. Schurz remained in public life until his death
in 1906, serving the government in many capacities, including secretary of
the interior. Carl Schurz, left
and Chattanooga. At the end of the war, he was chief of staff to General
William Tecumseh Sherman. Schurz remained in public life until his death
in 1906, serving the government in many capacities, including secretary of
the interior. Carl Schurz, left
With the advent of the Civil War, Hecker signed up as a soldier in the Missouri Volunteers organized
by former revolutionary Franz Sigel. In the spring of 1861, Hecker went on to lead a German
regiment from the Chicago area, the 82nd Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. After his service, Colonel
Hecker returned to his farm in 1863. He continued to be active as a speaker and columnist in the
German press. In 1873, Hecker returned on a speaking tour to a new, unified Germany under
Prussian leadership. Hecker went on to found the American Turnverein. Freidrich Hecker died on
March 24,1881 on his Illinois farm.
by former revolutionary Franz Sigel. In the spring of 1861, Hecker went on to lead a German
regiment from the Chicago area, the 82nd Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. After his service, Colonel
Hecker returned to his farm in 1863. He continued to be active as a speaker and columnist in the
German press. In 1873, Hecker returned on a speaking tour to a new, unified Germany under
Prussian leadership. Hecker went on to found the American Turnverein. Freidrich Hecker died on
March 24,1881 on his Illinois farm.
Pennsylvania alone contributed five
German Regiments, among them the
1st German Regiment also known as
74th PA Vol. Infantry regiment. They
was among the many nationwide that
were predominantly German and
referred to as "German Regiments".
It was led by Schimmelfennig and Col.
George Von Amsberg who were in
charge of the 82D Illinois 45th, the
157th NewYork, the 61st Ohio and the
74th Pennsylvania Infantry.
German Regiments, among them the
1st German Regiment also known as
74th PA Vol. Infantry regiment. They
was among the many nationwide that
were predominantly German and
referred to as "German Regiments".
It was led by Schimmelfennig and Col.
George Von Amsberg who were in
charge of the 82D Illinois 45th, the
157th NewYork, the 61st Ohio and the
74th Pennsylvania Infantry.
| Genl. Alexander Schimmelfinnig. Born July 20, 1824 in Lithauen, Prussia. Died September 5, 1865 near Reading, Pa. An Officer in the Prussian Army. He resigned his commision to sustain the Republican cause on the battlefields of Schleswic, Holstein, The Palatinate and Baden. In 1853 he emmigrated to the U.S. and at the outbreak of the rebellion in 1861 he raised and led the 74th Regiment of Pa. Vol. In defense of his adopted country. He commanded a brigade at the battles of Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg; and was afterwards ordered to the siege of Charleston, S.C. when that city capitulated. His command was the first to enter and take possession. A German by birth; An American in death; He wrote his name on the hearts of his countrymen. |
Most German soldier of the Civil War were at the least literate, and many had a high degree of
education. A lot of them had prior strict and rigorous German military experience. Aside from the
more famous people mentioned here, other well-known figures include Louis Blenker, August
Willich, Max Weber, Godfrey Weitzel, Adolph von Steinwehr, August Kautz and hundreds of
German-born officers who both led and served in regiments during the war, including among others
Col. Gustav Tafel, Col. Paul A. Frank, Maj. Jurgen Wilson, Lt. Theodore Schwan and German
Capt. Hubert Dilger, one of the best Union artillerists
education. A lot of them had prior strict and rigorous German military experience. Aside from the
more famous people mentioned here, other well-known figures include Louis Blenker, August
Willich, Max Weber, Godfrey Weitzel, Adolph von Steinwehr, August Kautz and hundreds of
German-born officers who both led and served in regiments during the war, including among others
Col. Gustav Tafel, Col. Paul A. Frank, Maj. Jurgen Wilson, Lt. Theodore Schwan and German
Capt. Hubert Dilger, one of the best Union artillerists
New York provided the majority of native-born German
soldiers with 36,000 men. During its service as a regiment,
the Twentieth New York Infantry alone lost 120 men.
Killed in action: 3 officers, 42 enlisted men; Of wounds
received in action, 4 officers, 12 enlisted men; Of disease
and other causes, 1 officer, 58 enlisted men; total, 8
officers, 112 enlisted men. New York, as did many other
states, produced a few all German regiments. German
imigrants were often recruited at the docks as they arrived.
soldiers with 36,000 men. During its service as a regiment,
the Twentieth New York Infantry alone lost 120 men.
Killed in action: 3 officers, 42 enlisted men; Of wounds
received in action, 4 officers, 12 enlisted men; Of disease
and other causes, 1 officer, 58 enlisted men; total, 8
officers, 112 enlisted men. New York, as did many other
states, produced a few all German regiments. German
imigrants were often recruited at the docks as they arrived.
| 1861 newspaper article: Parade of the New York Twentieth German (Turner Rifles) Regiment: |
This noble regiment, which is composed of German Turners, who are most proverbial in Faderland for their accuracy in
bringing down anything at which they point their rifles, had a parade yesterday through the city without arms. They formed
opposite Turtle Bay Park in Forty-third street, where they have been quartered since they became embodied, about half
past two o'clock, and started about three for the City Hall Park, by the following route: Down Second avenue to Fortieth
street, through Third avenue to Twenty-second street, through Twenty-second street to Sixth avenue, on to Twenty-first
street, up Twenty-first street to Broadway and down Broadway to the City Hall, where a large concourse of people had
assembled to see them. All along the route the Rifles were encouraged in the most flattering manner.
bringing down anything at which they point their rifles, had a parade yesterday through the city without arms. They formed
opposite Turtle Bay Park in Forty-third street, where they have been quartered since they became embodied, about half
past two o'clock, and started about three for the City Hall Park, by the following route: Down Second avenue to Fortieth
street, through Third avenue to Twenty-second street, through Twenty-second street to Sixth avenue, on to Twenty-first
street, up Twenty-first street to Broadway and down Broadway to the City Hall, where a large concourse of people had
assembled to see them. All along the route the Rifles were encouraged in the most flattering manner.
More than the usual quorum of the German element was observed along the streets where the soldiers passed with firm
tread and martial mein, and soft voices, which once rang musical along the gorgeous Rhine, were heard singing out their
appreciation of their countrymen. Broadway, always effervescing cauldron of public excitement, bore an appearance
which to a looker on at a distance, would undoubtedly appear gay and fascinating but not to one commingling with the
crowd of uniformed and ununiformed humanity who kept surging on in great excitement, crushing crinolines in all of
citizens and demolishing the corns of fastidious gentlemen with tight patent leathers. On arriving in the park the Rifles
broke into column, and wheeled out into Tyron row amid the plaudits of those who witnessed their admirable movements.
They then took their departure for Turtle Bay Park via the Third and Second avenues. It is due to the Twentieth regiment
of German Rifles to say that they are as staunch and compact a body of men as ever your reporter saw. Their officers are
a body of men who may be said to hold no mean position in point of military science; and, on the whole, we are confident
that the Stars and Stripes will suffer no unrequited indignity in their presence. (end)
tread and martial mein, and soft voices, which once rang musical along the gorgeous Rhine, were heard singing out their
appreciation of their countrymen. Broadway, always effervescing cauldron of public excitement, bore an appearance
which to a looker on at a distance, would undoubtedly appear gay and fascinating but not to one commingling with the
crowd of uniformed and ununiformed humanity who kept surging on in great excitement, crushing crinolines in all of
citizens and demolishing the corns of fastidious gentlemen with tight patent leathers. On arriving in the park the Rifles
broke into column, and wheeled out into Tyron row amid the plaudits of those who witnessed their admirable movements.
They then took their departure for Turtle Bay Park via the Third and Second avenues. It is due to the Twentieth regiment
of German Rifles to say that they are as staunch and compact a body of men as ever your reporter saw. Their officers are
a body of men who may be said to hold no mean position in point of military science; and, on the whole, we are confident
that the Stars and Stripes will suffer no unrequited indignity in their presence. (end)
The earliest protest against slavery in American history was drawn up by Germantown, Pennsylvania
settlers in 1688 by their leader Francis Daniel Pastorius. The Georgia Salzburgers, the Germans of
the Valley of Virginia and the Moravians of North Carolina mostly resisted the idea of slavery as
well. Reflecting to this sentiment against slavery, in an incident on January 1, 1861 at a slave sale at
the St. Louis, Missouri courthouse, the mostly German crowd made such a ruckus that the sale
couldn't go above $8.00. This was the last slave auction in St. Louis.
settlers in 1688 by their leader Francis Daniel Pastorius. The Georgia Salzburgers, the Germans of
the Valley of Virginia and the Moravians of North Carolina mostly resisted the idea of slavery as
well. Reflecting to this sentiment against slavery, in an incident on January 1, 1861 at a slave sale at
the St. Louis, Missouri courthouse, the mostly German crowd made such a ruckus that the sale
couldn't go above $8.00. This was the last slave auction in St. Louis.
Missouri typifies the internal destruction the conflict did to American communities. The St. Louis
Riot in St. Louis, Missouri took place on May 10, 1861, when radical Governor Lyon, a radical
Republican Union Captain, marched a large contingent of captured prisoners of the pro-Southern
Missouri militia through the streets of the city flanked by two lines of German-American Union
soldiers. The Germans were already unpopular with some of the pro-south Missourians for their
anti-slavery and anti-secessionist political views.
Riot in St. Louis, Missouri took place on May 10, 1861, when radical Governor Lyon, a radical
Republican Union Captain, marched a large contingent of captured prisoners of the pro-Southern
Missouri militia through the streets of the city flanked by two lines of German-American Union
soldiers. The Germans were already unpopular with some of the pro-south Missourians for their
anti-slavery and anti-secessionist political views.
Depending on the ethnicity and political persuasions of the
different areas of town, the crowds along the route alternated
between jeering them to cheering them and greeting them with
flowers. In the disorder, some rowdy and drunk bystanders
began throwing fruit, rocks and insults at Lyon's Germans.
As tensions flared beyond control, some of the soldiers began
shooting, killing three militiamen and several civilians in the
mob. For the next two days, mobs rioted throughout the city,
causing havoc and setting buildings on fire. Federal troops
patrolling the streets killed a total of twenty before it was over.
different areas of town, the crowds along the route alternated
between jeering them to cheering them and greeting them with
flowers. In the disorder, some rowdy and drunk bystanders
began throwing fruit, rocks and insults at Lyon's Germans.
As tensions flared beyond control, some of the soldiers began
shooting, killing three militiamen and several civilians in the
mob. For the next two days, mobs rioted throughout the city,
causing havoc and setting buildings on fire. Federal troops
patrolling the streets killed a total of twenty before it was over.
Without the German Missourians fighting, Lincoln's efforts in cutting the Confederacy in half along
the Mississippi River would have been a failure and perhaps, even a Confederate victory.
the Mississippi River would have been a failure and perhaps, even a Confederate victory.
As for the South, an example of a German fighting force was the German Light Artillery formed of
Charleston, South Carolina Germans in December of 1860. It passed along with several other units
to Fort Moultrie. A new company was raised, merging the original German Artillery Militia and new
members, and on August 22, 1861 the German Artillery was mustered into the Confederate forces as
a company of infantry know as the "German Volunteers". As this unit left Charleston on September
10, 1861 for Virginia by railroad, they were presented with a flag made by Charleston's German
women. The unit was later assigned to Pender’s Brigade of A.P. Hill’s Division on June 22, 1862
and was then assigned to Hood’s Texas Brigade on July 28th. It served with distinction throughout
the war. The German Light Artillery never formally surrendered.
Charleston, South Carolina Germans in December of 1860. It passed along with several other units
to Fort Moultrie. A new company was raised, merging the original German Artillery Militia and new
members, and on August 22, 1861 the German Artillery was mustered into the Confederate forces as
a company of infantry know as the "German Volunteers". As this unit left Charleston on September
10, 1861 for Virginia by railroad, they were presented with a flag made by Charleston's German
women. The unit was later assigned to Pender’s Brigade of A.P. Hill’s Division on June 22, 1862
and was then assigned to Hood’s Texas Brigade on July 28th. It served with distinction throughout
the war. The German Light Artillery never formally surrendered.
| Freethinkers |
When the Civil War broke out on April 12, 1861 after the Southern states seceded from the Union, Texas Confederate
military authorities moved to eliminate any internal threats to the confederacy by issuing to the young men of the state an
ultimatum: take oaths of allegiance to the Confederacy or leave the state. The vast majority of German-Americans in the
Texas Hill Country sided with Sam Houston in opposing secession and slavery.
military authorities moved to eliminate any internal threats to the confederacy by issuing to the young men of the state an
ultimatum: take oaths of allegiance to the Confederacy or leave the state. The vast majority of German-Americans in the
Texas Hill Country sided with Sam Houston in opposing secession and slavery.
The term Freethinkers (Freidenker) describes a liberal 19th century German intellectual movement which attempted to be
unencumbered by dogma. Freethinking became fashionable during the Age of Reason from 1740 to 1753. Many of the
early freethinkers were neither true agnostics nor true atheists, rather they substituted the notion of a deity and its
accouterments with opinions about religion based on reason, logic and common sense. Some of the more radical
members of the 48'ers and Turners were freethinkers. The Freethinkers refused to accept political absolutism and the
authority of a church or a religion. They settled all across American, and there were groups of them in every major city.
unencumbered by dogma. Freethinking became fashionable during the Age of Reason from 1740 to 1753. Many of the
early freethinkers were neither true agnostics nor true atheists, rather they substituted the notion of a deity and its
accouterments with opinions about religion based on reason, logic and common sense. Some of the more radical
members of the 48'ers and Turners were freethinkers. The Freethinkers refused to accept political absolutism and the
authority of a church or a religion. They settled all across American, and there were groups of them in every major city.
At least two German regiments were comprised mostly of non-religious free thinkers and
they actually started their own "free churches" unencumbered by a traditional preacher.
Many freethinkers were highly educated and strongly supported public education,
particularly vocational programs. There were several freethinker communities across the
USA including the Rationalist Society of St. Louis which was formed in 1848 and is still in
existence today, making it the oldest autonomous Freethought organization in the United
States. Their Naked Truth monument in St. Louis, left, was dedicated to Preetorius, Schurtz
and Danzer. The statue was moved from its original location in the wake of anti-German
sentiment of World War One. Also in Missouri, Hermann was founded in 1837, after being
chosen by the German Settlement Society of Philadelphia for its resemblance to the Rhine
Valley of Germany. It proved to be beneficial to farming, brewing and especially wine
making. In the first few decades after its founding, it was also fertile ground for Free thought
which was alive and well until 1854.
they actually started their own "free churches" unencumbered by a traditional preacher.
Many freethinkers were highly educated and strongly supported public education,
particularly vocational programs. There were several freethinker communities across the
USA including the Rationalist Society of St. Louis which was formed in 1848 and is still in
existence today, making it the oldest autonomous Freethought organization in the United
States. Their Naked Truth monument in St. Louis, left, was dedicated to Preetorius, Schurtz
and Danzer. The statue was moved from its original location in the wake of anti-German
sentiment of World War One. Also in Missouri, Hermann was founded in 1837, after being
chosen by the German Settlement Society of Philadelphia for its resemblance to the Rhine
Valley of Germany. It proved to be beneficial to farming, brewing and especially wine
making. In the first few decades after its founding, it was also fertile ground for Free thought
which was alive and well until 1854.
Texas Hill Country in the late 1840s and 50s offered Freethinkers refuge from the oppressions of Europe. The
Freethinkers strongly admired the ideals of the great American patriots: Washington, Jefferson, Paine, Adams, Madison,
and Franklin. In May, 1854, the annual Texas state convention of German singing groups, a Saengerfest, was held in San
Antonio. Dominated by Freethinkers, numerous resolutions were drawn, including the following: that people be taxed on
the level of their income, that laws be simple and intelligible so that there should be no need of lawyers, the abolition of the
grand jury, of capital punishment, of all temperance laws, of laws respecting Sunday or days of prayer and the abolition of
the oath as a matter of religious sanction, i.e. that Congress should never be opened by prayer. Further, that there should
be no religious instruction in schools and that preachers could not be teachers, They brought to the United States high
ideals of freedom for all, education for children, limited government and medical and scientific advancement. However,
after only a few years, they ended up sacrificing their homes, fortunes, future, and lives for these ideals.
Freethinkers strongly admired the ideals of the great American patriots: Washington, Jefferson, Paine, Adams, Madison,
and Franklin. In May, 1854, the annual Texas state convention of German singing groups, a Saengerfest, was held in San
Antonio. Dominated by Freethinkers, numerous resolutions were drawn, including the following: that people be taxed on
the level of their income, that laws be simple and intelligible so that there should be no need of lawyers, the abolition of the
grand jury, of capital punishment, of all temperance laws, of laws respecting Sunday or days of prayer and the abolition of
the oath as a matter of religious sanction, i.e. that Congress should never be opened by prayer. Further, that there should
be no religious instruction in schools and that preachers could not be teachers, They brought to the United States high
ideals of freedom for all, education for children, limited government and medical and scientific advancement. However,
after only a few years, they ended up sacrificing their homes, fortunes, future, and lives for these ideals.
This resulted in what became known as the Nueces Massacre. Many of these Germans from Central Texas and the Texas
Hill Country strenuously objected to being drafted into the Confederate army, and this was taken as a sign of rebellion by
Confederate authorities who sent in troops in the spring of 1862. On August 10, 1862, a violent confrontation between
Confederate soldiers and civilians broke out in Kinney County, Texas. Many German Texans had decided to flee to
Mexico, and a party of 61 German Texans from the Hill Country counties were overtaken by Texas Confederate
cavalrymen on the Nueces River. Shots were fired and 36 German Texans were killed as a result, some being executed
upon capture. Other Germans from Central Texas managed to complete their journey to Mexico City under the
leadership of Paul Machemehl of Austin County. The Treue der Union memorial was erected in 1866 to honor the
nineteen Germans settler men killed on August 10, 1862 in the Battle at Nueces. The remains of those men are buried on
the East side of the monument. It also honors the nine additional Germans taken prisoner or murdered after the battle as
well as seven more killed at Rio Grande, October 18, 1862. As early as 1850, Germans constituted more than 5 percent
of the total Texas population, and even in 1990, the US census revealed that 1,175,888 Texans claimed pure and
1,775,838 partial German ancestry, for a total of 2,951,726, or 17½ percent of the total population.
Hill Country strenuously objected to being drafted into the Confederate army, and this was taken as a sign of rebellion by
Confederate authorities who sent in troops in the spring of 1862. On August 10, 1862, a violent confrontation between
Confederate soldiers and civilians broke out in Kinney County, Texas. Many German Texans had decided to flee to
Mexico, and a party of 61 German Texans from the Hill Country counties were overtaken by Texas Confederate
cavalrymen on the Nueces River. Shots were fired and 36 German Texans were killed as a result, some being executed
upon capture. Other Germans from Central Texas managed to complete their journey to Mexico City under the
leadership of Paul Machemehl of Austin County. The Treue der Union memorial was erected in 1866 to honor the
nineteen Germans settler men killed on August 10, 1862 in the Battle at Nueces. The remains of those men are buried on
the East side of the monument. It also honors the nine additional Germans taken prisoner or murdered after the battle as
well as seven more killed at Rio Grande, October 18, 1862. As early as 1850, Germans constituted more than 5 percent
of the total Texas population, and even in 1990, the US census revealed that 1,175,888 Texans claimed pure and
1,775,838 partial German ancestry, for a total of 2,951,726, or 17½ percent of the total population.
