St. Mary's Ridge: A History of German Pioneer Settlement
The story of St. Mary's is a testament to the resilience and expansion of immigrant families who sought new beginnings in the American Midwest. Established in the mid-19th century, this community grew from a small settlement into a recognized symbol of American beauty and heritage.
The Origins of St. Mary's
St. Mary's was first settled in 1856. The founding population consisted of families who had immigrated to the United States from Stommeln, a town located northwest of Cologne in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany.
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Expansion and Legacy
As the original families thrived in their new home, their descendants and relatives branched out across the United States. This migration pattern spread the influence of the St. Mary's pioneers to several other states, including:
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
- Iowa
- Missouri
- California
- Various other counties within Wisconsin
Preserving the Heritage
To ensure the history of these pioneers was not lost, the St. Mary's Ridge Heritage Project in Cashton, Wisconsin, undertook a significant documentation effort. In 2007, they privately published a 500-page volume titled "St. Mary's Ridge Heritage – Histories of Our Pioneers." A revised second edition of this historical record was planned for approximately 2009.
National Recognition
The aesthetic appeal of St. Mary's eventually gained national attention. Former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson, selected photographs of the area for an official White House pamphlet, designating it as one of the most beautiful places in America.
Key Facts
- Settlement Date: 1856
- Origin: Stommeln, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Primary Documentation: "St. Mary's Ridge Heritage – Histories of Our Pioneers" (2007)
- Notable Endorsement: Recognized by Lady Bird Johnson as one of America's most beautiful places
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1856 |
| German Point of Origin | Stommeln (near Cologne) |
| Key Expansion States | NE, SD, IA, MO, CA, WI |
| Heritage Project Location | Cashton, Wisconsin |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was St. Mary's first settled?
St. Mary's was first settled in 1856.
Where did the original settlers of St. Mary's come from?
The settlers were immigrant families from Stommeln, located northwest of Cologne in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Which US states did the St. Mary's families migrate to?
Beyond Wisconsin, families branched out to Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, and California.
What is the St. Mary's Ridge Heritage Project?
It is a project based in Cashton, Wisconsin, that published a 500-page book in 2007 detailing the histories of the community's pioneers.
How was St. Mary's recognized by the US government?
Former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson featured photos of St. Mary's in an official White House pamphlet, describing it as one of America's most beautiful places.