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
