Experience Hermann Missouri

Hermann Missouri Welcomes You

  • EH
  • Hermann Locals
    • Churches
    • Health Services
    • Local Talent
    • Organizations
    • Real Estate
  • Events
    • Events on VisitHermann.com
  • Places to Stay
    • Find Cool Places to Stay
    • Check Availability
    • Bed & Breakfast
    • Entire House
    • Inn
    • Campgrounds
  • Things to Do
    • Food and Drink
      • Wine Beer and Spirits
        • … All Wineries
        • … Hermann Wineries
        • … Surrounding Wineries
        • … On the Wine Trail
        • … Hermann Trolley Accessible
      • Restaurants
      • Specialty
    • Shopping
    • Gathering Locations
    • Museums
    • Parks
    • Services
    • Yearly Attractions
      • Festival Events
      • Wine Trails
  • Contact Us
    • Events and Alerts Sign Up

Hermann Remembers and Honors George Bayer


Hermann Missouri - George Bayer Landscape

Hermann Missouri is a community of hard-working and dedicated individuals.  Much of the economy is based upon tourism and the residents make many efforts to welcome visitors and make their stay in the beautiful town an amazing experience.

Hermann Missouri - George Bayer StatueThe history of Hermann can certainly be characterized by strength.  The most prominent symbol of that is the statue of Hermann the Cherusker.  The characterization of his name rightly comes from his ability to annihilate 3 Roman legions at the battle of Teutoberger in 9 A.D.  Even more amazing that defeating the armies was that he was 27 years old when this happened.

Hermann Was a Vision of the German Settlement Society

More than 1800 years later, George Bayer arrived in what is now known as Hermann, Missouri.  Commissioned by the German Settlement Society of Philadelphia, George set out across the country in search for another settlement for the Germans in America.  After being deputized by the committee, George surveyed the lay of the land and decided upon this settlement because of its close similarities to the Rhineland in Germany.

Despite his best efforts, George Bayer had his share of setbacks when settling this community.  His plan to come with the first settlers was thwarted in 1837.  He contracted an illness which kept him in Philadelphia at the beginning of the trip.  Unfortunately, the first 17 settlers which consisted of 9 adults and 8 children began the trip without him.

George Bayer’s Difficult Start

This was the start of George’s troubles.  Although, the settlers were eager to reach their new home, George was the only one with the authority to divide up the land and assign lots to the people.  George convened with the first settlers in the Spring of 1838 with another group as well.  When they reached the land, the new group asked too much from Bayer. He was placed in charge of surveying all the land, assigning the residents their new lots, and supplying and distributing food.

Through all this, the complaints of George’s actions reached the Society back in Philadelphia.  Their lack of confidence moved the Society to release George from all his duties.  At the age of 39, in 1839, George Bayer was laid to rest in the Hermann Cemetery.  Many speculate that the demands of the people and his dashed hopes to provide a well-established community for the German settlers brought him to his grave and most believe he died of a broken heart.

New Hermann Statue to Commemorate George Bayer’s Efforts

The statue that now stands in the courtyard of the Gasconade County Historical Society is a reminder to the people of George’s hard work and efforts to found this area.  While his story is tragic and some would say hopeless, in 1986, a court of inquiry was formed to revisit the case of George Bayer.  He was exonerated because of the level of demands that were placed upon him.  George Bayer is certainly a founding father of the community and his efforts will be remembered for generations to come.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Gasconade County Historical Society Archives, George Bayer, Hermann Missouri

About Lee Pettijohn

I have been living in Hermann, Missouri for several years now and I love it. The people you meet are amazing and are willing to help in anyway they can. Hermann Missouri has some incredible views and scenery. I look forward to the many years to come of enjoying all that Hermann Missouri has to offer.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search for Lodging

Business Search

Site Quick View

Sign up for Weekly Event Email

Tree Houses in Hermann!

Business Search

Site Quick View

Other Helpful Links

  • Official City Website
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Live Hermann
  • Economic Development
  • City Website for Tourism

Socially Hip

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Tags

Adam Puchta Winery All Winery Locations Artist Talent Bias Winery Chocolate Wine Trail Family Friendly Food and Drink Fundraiser Hermann Amphitheater Hermann Brewery Hermann Churches Hermann Gatherings Hermannhof Winery Hermann in the News Hermann Lodging Hermann Missouri Hermann Missouri Attractions Hermann Missouri Food Hermann Missouri Museums Hermann Missouri News Hermann Missouri Parks Hermann Missouri Services Hermann Missouri Shopping Hermann MO Hermann MO Festivals Hermann MO Restaurants Hermann Real Estate Hermann Services Hermann Transportation Hermann Trolley Winery Location Hermann Wineries Hermann Winery Location Hermann Wine Trail Hermann Wine Trails Hermann Wine Trail Winery Location Local Talent New Haven OakGlenn Winery Oktoberfest Hermann Robller Vineyard Winery Say Cheese Wine Trail Star Lane Three Saints Stone Hill Winery Surrounding Hermann Winery Location Wedding Parties

Website Created, Maintained and Developed by Forward Solutions