Hermann Monument | New Ulm

Information

Landmark: Hermann Monument
City: New Ulm
Country: USA Minnesota
Continent: North America

Hermann Monument, New Ulm, USA Minnesota, North America

The Hermann Monument is a large bronze statue of the Germanic hero Arminius located in New Ulm, Minnesota, USA. It stands atop a granite pedestal overlooking the Minnesota River valley.

Visual Characteristics

The monument features a bronze statue of Arminius, standing 32 feet tall. He is depicted holding a sword aloft in his right hand and a shield in his left. The statue is mounted on a 108-foot tall granite pedestal, constructed from locally quarried stone. The overall height of the monument is 140 feet.

Location & Access Logistics

The Hermann Monument is situated at 1200 North Monument Court, New Ulm, MN 56073. It is approximately 1.5 miles north of the New Ulm city center. Access is via Monument Court, which is a paved road leading directly to the site. Ample parking is available at the base of the monument. No public transport directly serves the monument; visitors typically arrive by private vehicle.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The monument was conceived and funded by the local German-American community. Construction began in 1908 and was completed in 1916. It was designed by sculptor Albin Polasek and architect George W. R. Meyer. The original purpose was to honor Arminius, a Germanic chieftain who defeated Roman legions in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD, symbolizing German heritage and strength.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can ascend to the observation deck within the pedestal for panoramic views of New Ulm and the surrounding river valley. The interior of the pedestal houses a small museum detailing the monument's history and construction. Photography of the statue and the landscape is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the base of the monument. Limited shade is provided by the structure itself. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located directly at the monument site, but dining options are available in downtown New Ulm.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting for photography of the bronze statue, late afternoon is recommended. The best months for visiting are May through October, when weather conditions are generally favorable for outdoor exploration. No tide considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

A unique aspect of the monument's construction is that the bronze for the statue was cast from melted cannons captured during World War I. Local lore suggests that on clear nights, the spirit of Arminius can be seen watching over the city.