When the first settlers arrived from Philadelphia in 1836, they were determined to form a German colony in the New World that was "German in every particular." They were so sure their town would prosper and grow that they made Hermann’s Market Street ten feet wider than Market Street in Philadelphia. Today Hermann is a wonderful example of a beautiful and charming German community.
Begin your self-guided tour at the Welcome Center, 312 Market Street. Go north (left) on Market Street, then left on West Second Street.
1. Deutschheim State Historic Site – 109 West Second Street
Deutschheim State Historic Site, the official German heritage site of the Missouri Division of State Parks and Historic Sites, consists of two homes built in the mid-1800s. Period furniture, tools and gardens give visitors a glimpse into life in early Hermann. Tours are available daily, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Return to Market Street and proceed north, toward the bridge.
2. Statue of Arminius – First and Market
This statue honoring our town’s namesake was erected in 2009. In the year 9 A.D. Arminius, now known as Hermann, led an army of northern Europeans against an intrusion into their homeland. His army annihilated three Roman legions at the Battle of Teutoburg Forest, a victory which historians say changed the course of European history.
Go east down First Street.
3. Gasconade County Courthouse – 119 East First Street
The beautiful Gasconade County Courthouse is the seat of government in Gasconade County. This magnificent building is the only courthouse in Missouri and one of the few in the United States built with private funds. Charles Eitzen, a wealthy merchant and one of Hermann’s original settlers, donated $50,000 to build the courthouse. He also helped fund many other projects, including the Hermann City Park and the German School. The courthouse is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Continue east on First Street. When you reach Schiller Street, turn left toward the river.
4. Simon’s on the Waterfront – Schiller and Wharf Streets
The large building on the left was built in 1867 as the St. Charles Wine Hall, a saloon and restaurant. The building served as Hermann’s the first high school from 1898 to 1923. Simon's on the Waterfront is open from 11:00 to 8:00, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and from 11:00 to 9:00, Friday and Saturday.
Continue east on Wharf Street.
On the right you will see the Leimer Hotel and Eitzen townhouse. Eitzen built his home so that it overlooked the wharf and the Missouri River where he made his fortune.
Cross Wharf Street to Riverfront Park. (Watch for trains!)
The river has played an important part in Hermann’s history and development. As you learn more about our city, you will hear stories about the riverboat captains who lived here. Names like Heckmann, Wohlt, Baecker, Ruediger, and Trail come to mind. The Heckmann family had eight sons, seven of whom became riverboat captains.
5. Lewis and Clark Marker – Riverfront Park
A Lewis and Clark Expedition marker is on the east side of Riverfront Park. Hermann was one of the many stops along the Lewis and Clark Trail. William Clark wrote in his journal, “We camped on an Island on the Starboard Side near the Southern extreme of Luter Island…great deal of deer sign on the bank.” Loutre Island is just northeast of Hermann.
Return to Wharf Street and continue east.
6. White House Hotel – 232 Wharf Street
The White House Hotel was built by the Rippstein family in 1869. As administrator of the Rippstein estate, Eitzen managed the hotel in his later years. Many dignitaries stayed here during the well-known “German Day” celebrations, including William Jennings Bryan, a noted orator and Presidential candidate in 1896, 1900, and 1908. A guest register signed by baseball great Ty Cobb is displayed in the hotel museum. The White House Hotel is the only one of Hermann’s early hotels that has remained in its original condition. While no longer a working hotel, the building has been meticulously restored and is open for tours at various times from May to October.
7. Festhalle – 237 East First Street
The newly remodeled Festhalle at the corner of Wharf and Gutenberg streets is owned by Jim Dierberg and is part of the Hermannhof Winery complex. The facility is used for receptions, parties, and festival events. Be sure to take note of the beautiful gilded stag above the front entrance on First Street. Hermannhof Wineryand the Hofgarten can be seen just down First Street to the east.
8. Hermann Star Mill – First and Gutenberg
Across the street from the Festhalle, the 4-1/2 story Star Mill building was erected in 1867 for $40,000. It was co-owned by Mattais Kochele and Henry Reitemeyer, one of the wealthiest merchants in town. The Star Mill was the first steam powered grist mill in Hermann. Today the building houses the Oncken Machine Shop.
Continue west on 1st Street.
9. Concert Hall – 206 East Rist Street
The Concert Hall in the middle of the block was built in 1878 by John Pfautsch and Phillip Kuhn. A tavern and restaurant occupied the first floor; a concert hall was on the second floor. It was said that the saloon was “one of the largest and finest west of St. Louis." In its heyday, the Concert hall was a hub of community activity. There were at least four concerts each year, plus dramas, dances, and receptions. In 1879 Henry German Sr. painted the Concert Hall sign, probably the same one you see today.
Turn south (left) on Schiller Street.
Take a short detour right on Third Street to see a perfect example of early Hermann, unchanged since the 1840s when most of the houses were erected. The early Germans built their homes close to the sidewalk to make more room for backyard gardens.
Return to Schiller Street and continue north to Fourth Street.
10. German School Building – Fourth and Schiller
Constructed in 1871, this building was home to all the students of elementary age. The first children who attended school here spoke only German. The building was erected with large classrooms to accommodate meetings of local organizations. The clock tower, which can be seen from many parts of town, was added in 1890. The clock has kept Hermann residents on time all through the years. The building remained a schoolhouse for 84 years. In 1955 it was deeded to Historic Hermann, which has turned it into a delightful and informative museum. It is a treasure of information and memories on the development of Hermann and the surrounding communities. The building is open to the public, April through October. Tours are given from 10:00 to 4:00, Tuesday through Saturday, and from noon to 4:00 Sunday.
11. Gasconade County Historical Society Archives – Fourth and Schiller
This is the former Farmers & Merchants Bank building, built in 1909 by the same man who built the buildings currently housing Heritage Real Estate and Insurance at the corner of First and Schiller and the Wine Valley Inn at the corner of Fourth and Market. Staffed by trained volunteers, the Archives and Record Center is a one-stop research facility.
Go west (right) on Fourth Street.
12. Showboat Theatre – East Fourth Street
Construction on the Showboat Theatre began in 1934 by Charlie Baumstark. There was a contest to name the new theatre. Out of 175 entries a 7-year-old boy won. We are fortunate to have active theater groups that produce wonderful musicals, dramas, and comedies to entertain residents and visitors.
Continue down Fourth Street to Market Street and return to the Welcome Center.