German Culture and History in New Orleans

Jul 12

By Bear Gruzen

Countless groups and cultures have influenced New Orleans history and way of life – some of which include the Irish, French, Spanish, Jews, Haitians and many more– all of which formed and shaped the city we know and love today. In this series, we will focus on the many peoples that helped form this beautiful city.

Today we will be spotlighting the German community and their contributions to New Orleans, history, culture and society. The beginning of German history within New Orleans starts about 25 miles upriver, towards the original German settlements in Southeast Louisiana. It all began when Charles Frederick d’Arensbourg, a German speaking Swedish soldier, took with him 300 men to venture to New France (what would later become Louisiana and New Orleans). He led the men to seek the new world and create a settlement in present day Biloxi– however all would not go as planned. Along the way, due to many factors such as disease and lack of supplies, d'Arensbourg lost many of his men.

Upon his arrival, he had very few soldiers and the plan was ultimately a failure. Furious with rage, d'Arensbourg and his party continued on to New Orleans, expecting to be sent home to tell of the news. Upon arriving in New Orleans, d'Arensbourg quickly gained the favor of the governor at the time and was given the right to settle 25 miles upriver in what is present day St Charles Parish. Beginning in the 19th century, many Germans began immigrating to New Orleans; and by 1830, there were over 7,000 Germans living in Louisiana. It's estimated that during this time, around 12% of the New Orleans area population was of German descent.

New Orleans’ industry was still developing, and there was a need for unskilled factory labor, and the German immigrants filled that void. Many fled due to the declining state of Europe; there were talks of revolution in Germany, and there was great unrest in the German states of Saxony, Hanover, and Nassau. Upon arrival to New Orleans, many German immigrants either sailed upriver to previously established German settlements, or congregated along what is today the Irish Channel, similar to that of Irish and other European immigrants.

The effects of German culture on New Orleans society can be seen to this day. The economic development of New Orleans’ industry wouldn’t be the way it is today without the influx of German immigrants. They affected everyday life– Germans brought with them a fondness for beer, which replaced the expensive French wine as a casual drink for people. In addition, certain New Orleans music parades and Cajun music began featuring an accordion– a German invention. Today, the German culture within New Orleans is thriving. Deutsche Haus is a social club near City Park that celebrates German Culture and traditions, it regularly hosts events such as German food tastings, and of course Oktoberfest celebrations! German culture is another bright light in what makes New Orleans so special and unique.