Frankenmuth

2020 Frankenmuth Visitor's Guide

Issue link: http://frankenmuthcvb.uberflip.com/i/1197765

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 5 of 61

4 FRANKENMUTH.ORG GENUINELY GERMAN Frankenmuth's Oktoberfest was the first one officially sanctioned to take place outside of Germany. Frankenmuth is known far and wide as "Michigan's Little Bavaria," but what made Frankenmuth German? Why do buildings carry on the traditional Bavarian architecture? And "Is it authentic?" It all started with the founding of Frankenmuth in 1845 by 15 colonists from the Franconian region in Germany. Led by pastor Wilhelm Loehe, the original intent was to bring spiritual comfort to the German pioneers in the Midwest and to also bring Christianity to the natives. As more and more Germans crossed the Atlantic, this region of the Saginaw Valley became home. They built settlements, removed forests for farming, and erected a log church in 1846. In 1847, when a dam and mill were built along the Cass River, Frankenmuth quickly established a reputation for its flour, saw, and woolen mills (two of which are still in operation today!). Great changes happened after World War II when interstate highways led our community into the tourism industry and gave us the opportunity to capitalize on our assets. Economic and civic vitality serve the community and we pride ourselves on believing that all businesses have to work together, something that continues today in Frankenmuth. THE PRIDE FOR OUR BAVARIAN ROOTS RUNS STRONG 365 DAYS A YEAR. "Gefällt Dir meine Lederhose?" "Do you like my lederhosen?" German Jabber

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

view archives of Frankenmuth - 2020 Frankenmuth Visitor's Guide