German American History

Thomas Nast: A German-American Icon and the Father of American Cartooning

In the vibrant melting pot of American history, one cannot ignore the significant contributions made by individuals of diverse backgrounds. Among these notable figures is Thomas Nast, a German-American artist and political cartoonist who left an indelible mark on the landscape of American journalism during the 19th century.

This blog post explores the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of Thomas Nast from the unique perspective of his German heritage and the impact he had on shaping American political discourse and of course, Santa Claus himself.

Early Life and Immigration:

Thomas Nast was born on September 27, 1840, in Landau, in the Kingdom of Bavaria, now part of modern-day Germany. His family emigrated to the United States when he was just six years old, seeking refuge and a better life in the wake of political turmoil in Europe. The Nast family settled in New York City, where young Thomas’s artistic talents began to flourish.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence:

Nast’s artistic abilities did not go unnoticed. His passion for drawing led him to a position at Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, where he quickly gained recognition for his skillful illustrations. However, it was at Harper’s Weekly, a prominent publication of the time, that Nast would truly make his mark.

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In the midst of the American Civil War, amidst the chaos and strife that characterized the era, a heartwarming tradition emerged—one that continues to grace Christmas trees with its enduring charm: the German Christmas Pickle.

This distinctive Christmas Pickle Ornament is quite inspirational when you know the whole story. It’s a narrative of hope, faith, and gratitude, that draws its inspiration from the unlikely setting from the dire conditions of Andersonville, Georgia during the American Civil War.

The Inspirational Origin:

Our journey into the heart of this heartwarming tradition begins with the life of John C. Lower, a Bavarian-born soldier who fought on the side of the Federal Union forces during the Civil War and served as his unit’s quartermaster.

Captured in the year 1864, Lower found himself facing the harsh and deplorable conditions of Andersonville Prison, notorious for its overcrowded and unsanitary environment. However, it was on a poignant Christmas Eve within these confines that Lower’s life took an unexpected and hopeful turn.

Legend has it that a compassionate guard, moved by Lower’s plight, offered him a simple yet profound gift—a pickle, halfway eaten already but still a grateful token in humanity. Miraculously, this humble pickle became a source of rejuvenation for the ailing soldier, breathing a spirit of resilience and hope into his weary soul.

Following the war, upon his return to Germany, you’ll learn that Lower carried this poignant memory with him, and through a series of regional travels, random meetings, and humble ideas, John C. Lower eventually established a heartwarming family tradition of hanging a pickle ornament on his Christmas tree each year.

Thanksgiving, a quintessential American holiday, has a complex and fascinating history that intertwines with the tales of immigrants who brought their traditions across oceans. Among these pioneers were German immigrants, whose gradual adoption of turkey as the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast unfolded over generations, leaving an indelible mark on the evolving culinary landscape of America.

When German immigrants arrived in America, they brought with them a rich history of traditions, including their own version of a Thanksgiving celebration known as “Erntedankfest.” In Germany, Erntedankfest typically takes place in September or October, marking the end of the harvest season. It is a time for communities to come together and express gratitude for the abundance of the harvest, often featuring church services, parades, and festive meals.

Upon settling in America, German immigrants found themselves in a new cultural landscape, and one of the first adjustments they made was to the timing of Thanksgiving. In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, a date that holds historical significance dating back to the early days of the nation. The German immigrants embraced this new tradition, blending elements of Erntedankfest with the American Thanksgiving festivities.

October 6th is a date that holds special significance for all those with a connection to German Heritage in the United States.

It’s the day when we come together to celebrate National German-American Day, a time-honored tradition that commemorates the rich history and cultural contributions of German immigrants to America.

As we raise our steins and put on our lederhosen and dirndls, let’s dive into the fascinating history of German-Americans in the U.S., explore some fun and festive ways to mark this special occasion. Discover a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow German-Americans through the “German Heritage USA CLUB” on the O-NET Social Media platform powered by ONPASSIVE technologies.

President Ronald Reagan’s Proclamation:

Before we delve into the history of German-American Day and the ways to celebrate it, let’s pay tribute to President Ronald Reagan, himself of German ancestry.

In 1983, President Reagan proclaimed October 6 as German-American Day, a significant moment that underscores the importance of this celebration in American culture.

This proclamation was made to honor and celebrate the 300th anniversary of German immigration to the United States and their enduring cultural influence. On August 6, 1987, Congress further solidified this celebration by approving S.J. Resolution 108, designating October 6, 1987, as German-American Day.

It’s always fun to discover historical information about German Heritage across America. Today we take a look at the German influence and history of the town square in New Braunsfels, Texas.

New Braunfels Texas Source: Texas Historical Comission

Below is a video from the Texas Historical Commission that provides an introduction to the architectural history of New Braunfels’ town square that was produced for a Texas Time Travel Tours heritage travel app.

New Braunfels, Texas was established in 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels. He was titled as the royal Commissioner General of the Adelsverein, also known as the Noblemen’s Society. It’s recognized in German as Mainzer Adelsverein.

Prince Solms named the settlement in honor of his home town of Solms-Braunfels, Germany.

Category: German American History

Thomas Nast: A German-American Icon and the Father of American Cartooning

The Heartwarming Tale of the German Christmas Pickle: A Symbol of Hope, Faith, and Gratitude

The Inspirational Origin:

How German immigrants embraced the American Turkey on Thanksgiving

Embracing German-American Day: Tradition, Culture, and Connection

President Ronald Reagan’s Proclamation:

German Heritage in New Braunfels Texas Town Square