JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A region that spreads from St. Louis to more than half way across the state to Chariton and Saline Counties could be renamed to the German Heritage Corridor if two pieces of legislation make it into law.
Rep. Justin Alferman, R-Hermann, and Sen. Dave Schatz, R-Washington, have both offered bills in their respective chambers to create such a corridor in part to celebrate the abundance of Americans of German descent that live in those parts of Missouri. The area includes towns and cities like St. Louis, Westphalia, Indian Grove, Washington, Dutzow, Munichberg, Arrow Rock, and, of course, Hermann.
“If you look at the overwhelming settlements along the Missouri River and the counties we are laying out, it is ridiculous how many of these little cities, like Hermann and Washington, have significant German heritage that you see every day,” Alferman said.
Both of those bills have made it out of committee.
Alferman’s hometown of Hermann is one of the most notable settlements by Germans in the state. It was founded by the German Settlement Society of Philadelphia in 1836 for the similarity the area bore to the Rhine Land area of Germany. It still holds celebrations for many German holidays.
That emphasis on tradition and cultural heritage, Alferman argues, should create an incentive for tourism in parts of the state that may be overlooked by some.
“We’re going to be able to use this to build a coalition of all of these little areas for a tourism corridor to attract not only a lot Missouri residents but international tourism as well,” Alferman said. “There are a lot of German nationals that come over here and tour the United States. They come to Hermann … to see how much of that German heritage is still being retained.”
Alferman also said the proposal would not cost the state any money whatsoever as the establishment of the corridor will be handled entirely by private donations.
Rep. Don Gosen, R-Ballwin, is the chairman of the German Caucus in the House, which comprises of members of both the House and Senate with German heritage. He also grew up in Hermann, and he believes that a better emphasis on that kind of tradition can bring a positive impact to the state.
“It’s just something that we overlook,” he said. “The state of Missouri is one of the highest in the country as far as German immigrants. If you look at a map of the Midwest, it was heavily settled by German immigrants… It’s a way to recognize that, to celebrate that Heritage.”
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, noted that while the creation of the corridor had practical benefits, it also had traditional ones as well.
“More than anything, it’s important for us to celebrate that rich tradition and these are the kinds of things that can highlight an ancestry that so many Missourians share and our very proud of,” he said.
