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Latin Farmers and Hessian Mercenaries
The so-called "Giessener Gesellschaft"
took its name from the town of Giessen. It was a society formed out of
the ranks of Hessia's Grand Duchy. It was founded with the intent to fulfill
ambitious projects in the Missouri and Mississippi Territories. From the
1830's onward, numerous farmers followed men like Karl Follen, Friedrich
Münch and Gottfried Duden. Within a short period of time, three-fourths
of the population in the proximity of greater St. Louis could boast of
being German-born.. Later, many of them set out from here for destinations,
farther west, on the high plains.
One mention of the word "Hessian", will immediately
remind many Americans of another story pertinent to migration history;
that of the "Hessian Mercenaries". It is estimated that some 30.000 soldiers
from here as well as from the Duchies of Brunswick and Anhalt Zerbst were
sent to fight for Great Britain in the American Revolution. Thousands of
them later decided to stay in Canada and America. Sold by the Dukes of
Hessen and Hessen Waldeck, the troops fought under British command. The
mercenaries made their way from Kassel, on the Weser River to Bremerhaven
(formerly "Geestemünde").
Field excursions to these areas previously
mentioned are now in preparation. Soon you will be able to trace the fates
of those who embarked on the historic route from Frankfurt to the North
Sea coast. During the trip, you will also hear about another migration:
that of the French Hugenots to Karlsbad. We will, of course, not forget
to tell about the famous Grimm brothers and their world-famous fairy tales
when we travel to the historic sites!
Research and Travel offers:
Guided tours in Germany
Research services for your roots in Germany
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Hessian soldiers of the Rall Regiment, defeated during
George Washington's crossing of the Delaware river, December 1776.
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