New Ulm was founded in 1856 by German immigrants looking to build their ideal community. Many of the first settlers were refugees from the 1848 Revolution. Some were "free thinkers". Others were socialists. Many were just looking for a place to call their own. They laid out a city that is in most ways 180 degrees from the world that they knew. Instead of narrow winding streets and lanes, the new streets would be broad, straight, and at right angles. Everyone would have their own garden. There would many parks and open spaces. Land was set aside for schools that every child could attend, not just those of wealthy land owners. While many of the socialist ideas fell by the wayside and the free thinker dislike for organized religion faded, the other traditions brought over from the old country remained and are still apparent today.
To be continued...