Built on the Backs of the Bavarians German Americans and Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine Neighborhood

“German” Americans Large numbers in First Wave of Immigration and in every wave after Large numbers in First Wave of Immigration and in every wave after German: Bavaria, Prussia, Haden and other German states German: Bavaria, Prussia, Haden and other German states Cincinnati is a major destination Cincinnati is a major destination 1788: First Germans arrive in Cincinnati 1788: First Germans arrive in Cincinnati Within Cincinnati – Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood was a primary destination Within Cincinnati – Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood was a primary destination

Aerial View of Cincinnati and Over-the-Rhine (red outline)

Over-the-Rhine OTR was located north of downtown Cincinnati across the Miami and Erie Canal OTR was located north of downtown Cincinnati across the Miami and Erie Canal The neighborhood was originally connected to downtown by bridge The neighborhood was originally connected to downtown by bridge Residents said they were “Crossing the Rhine” referring to the Old Country and the Rhine River. The new American neighborhood became known as Over-the-Rhine Residents said they were “Crossing the Rhine” referring to the Old Country and the Rhine River. The new American neighborhood became known as Over-the-Rhine

Miami and Erie Canal -- OTR

Push Factors for Emigration Many Germans immigrated to the US because they participatedr in failed European revolutions in 1832 and again in Emigrants left the German states to avoid military service, religious and economic struggles, and a lack of opportunity to own land

Pull Factors for Immigration Germans found available land Germans found available land Germans found comfort in aid societies (clubs) based on common religious ideas, language and hobbies Germans found comfort in aid societies (clubs) based on common religious ideas, language and hobbies German immigrants found work in Ohio building the canals German immigrants found work in Ohio building the canals In Cincinnati, many settle and write home, beginning a series of chain migrationsIn Cincinnati, many settle and write home, beginning a series of chain migrations

Canals allow Ohio Farmers and Merchants to reach a larger market and increase profits. Ohioans needed quick and easy access to the Ohio River and to Lake Erie if they were to profit financially. Additionally, a canal might open Ohio up to other industry. The Miami and Erie became one of Ohio’s most important canals during the mid 19th century. Produce could travel much more quickly by canal boat than by turnpike

What about canals? The Ohio canals were dug by hand, with picks and shovels. Occasionally, teams of horses and oxen powered slip scoops and pulled wagons. The canals not only carried people and freight, but served as swimming and fishing holes and as ice rinks

OTR Grew with the Breweries… Over the Barrel

Resources… They brought recipes, ingredients, and knowledge of brewing They brought recipes, ingredients, and knowledge of brewing Locating in OTR, they had access to the canal Locating in OTR, they had access to the canal What are two ways brewers used the canals? What are two ways brewers used the canals? Over the Barrel

Resources Continued… German immigrants continued to arrive and work in the breweries AND…they began related companies German immigrants continued to arrive and work in the breweries AND…they began related companies Coopers: barrelmakersCoopers: barrelmakers Suppliers: ice chest makers and tool & die companiesSuppliers: ice chest makers and tool & die companies Retailers: restaurants, taverns, and innsRetailers: restaurants, taverns, and inns Over the Barrel

Handbill for Manufactured Goods Over the Barrel

OTR – Center of German Culture Their goal was to find a job, but over time they actually developed new markets and jobs for others. An entire community was built on the success of these first immigrants Their goal was to find a job, but over time they actually developed new markets and jobs for others. An entire community was built on the success of these first immigrants Architecture: As in other lasting ethnic communities, particular styles dominated (Italianate and Gothic Revival) Architecture: As in other lasting ethnic communities, particular styles dominated (Italianate and Gothic Revival)

Other Lasting Effects Artistic Expression: Fountain Square(a gift from its sister city, Munich Germany), The Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Conservatory of Music Artistic Expression: Fountain Square(a gift from its sister city, Munich Germany), The Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Conservatory of Music Language: words including blitz, dachsund, deli, diesel, nickel, fahrenheit and weiner, also the city of “Zinzinnati” Language: words including blitz, dachsund, deli, diesel, nickel, fahrenheit and weiner, also the city of “Zinzinnati”

More Lasting Effects Religion: German Catholic parishes such as St. Mary’s, and a strong Protestant presence which resulted in the first German Methodist Church. Religion: German Catholic parishes such as St. Mary’s, and a strong Protestant presence which resulted in the first German Methodist Church. Food: sausages, sauerkraut, potato salad, soft pretzels, strudel and bratwurst Food: sausages, sauerkraut, potato salad, soft pretzels, strudel and bratwurst en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Old_Saint_Mary%27s_Church.jpg

Other Lasting Contributions Grammer’s Restaurant on Walnut Street was the oldest German restaurant in OTR. It opened in OTR’s Findlay Market is the oldest open public market in the city. It is a German-style market. Grammer’s Restaurant on Walnut Street was the oldest German restaurant in OTR. It opened in OTR’s Findlay Market is the oldest open public market in the city. It is a German-style market. Nationally, the German Christmas was the base for many American Christmas traditions including the gift-giving, the Christmas tree and the emphasis on family. Nationally, the German Christmas was the base for many American Christmas traditions including the gift-giving, the Christmas tree and the emphasis on family.

Bibliography Ethnic Diversity and Civic Identity Ethnic Diversity and Civic Identity German Heritage Guide to the Greater Cincinnati Area, 2 nd ed. German Heritage Guide to the Greater Cincinnati Area, 2 nd ed. The Images of America: German Cincinnati The Images of America: German Cincinnati Over the Barrel: the Brewing History and Beer Culture of Cincinnati Over the Barrel: the Brewing History and Beer Culture of Cincinnati The Survival of an Ethnic Community The Survival of an Ethnic Community