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The Palatine Emigrant in American
Colonial History
It was from the Palatinate that early
emigration from Germany started. By the end of the 17th century, more than
1,000,000 Palatines had already left for America. Whether they were Mennonites
or Huguenots in search of religious freedom, colonists in the War of Independence,
destitute men, women and families searching for a better life abroad, the
"Forty-Eighters" of the German Revolution in 1848, or just simply individuals
in a quest to conquer frontiers - they all were part of the emigrant experience.
Through the centuries, their overwhelming numbers made the Palatinate a
neighbor to America. Furthermore, after World War II, the Palatinate became
home to the largest American communities to reside outside of the United
States.
Thomas Nast of Landau became the "Father of
the American Caricature Sketch" with more than 2.000 illustrations for
Harper's Weekly. In 1735, Johann Peter Zenger's acquittal in a famous New
York trial, would later become a milestone decision in the history of the
freedom of press. One should not forget to mention the White House Hymn,
"Hail America". It was composed by a Palatine traveling musician by the
name of George Drumm of Erdesbach.
"Research & Travel" cooperates with the
Institute
for Palatine History and Folk Heritage in Kaiserslautern, a widely
known facility which has proved itself valuable to many researchers, as
well as the emigrant
museum in Oberalben, in Kusel County. R &
T has compiled a study trip to discover the rich heritage of this
lovely area in Germany. Among the many interesting subjects dealt with
on this tour is the story of the traveling musicians of the Palatinate.
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Thomas Nast, born on September 26 1840, in Landau
/ Palatinate. "Cartoonist, Moralist and President-Maker"
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