History
The
Western New York (WNY) region has a rich German heritage that can be traced back
to settlers purchasing land from the Holland Land Company in the early
19th century.
The first recorded German settler in Buffalo was John Kuecherer, who arrived
in 1821 via Pennsylvania. Jacob Siebold, Buffalo's second German
settler, arrived in 1822 from Wurtemburg and became a successful
businessman.
Much of the migration to WNY took place in distinct waves from
various regions of Germany after the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825. For
example, many of those who came from Prussia and the North were Protestants
while those from Alsace and the South were primarily Roman Catholic.
These hard working pioneers were laborers, farmers, craftsmen and owners of
businesses such as grocery stores, furniture manufacturers and breweries.
German immigrants are credited with clearing the vast forests of
Amherst, NY and Depew, NY to make way for agriculture and farming.
Did You Know?
German was spoken in WNY homes, schools and churches well into the
1800's.
The old limestone building on the corner of Main Street and North Forest
Road in Williamsville, NY was originally a meeting house built by German
Mennonites in 1834.
During the Civil War, enlistment posters in WNY were written in both English
and German, and promised volunteers $100.00 to join the Union Army.
WNY area German-American brewers and business owners were major investors in
the 1901 Pan American Exposition of Buffalo, helping make the event
possible.
Learn More
Visit the following websites for more information about WNY German-American
history and culture. Please contact us if you
know of other relevant Internet resources that may be considered for inclusion here.
German-American History in Buffalo, NY >>>
Amherst
Museum History of the Town of Amherst, NY >>>
A History of Alsace >>>
Village of Depew, NY History >>>
Town of Holland, NY 175th Anniversary History Book >>>
Wikipedia's German American Article >>>
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