The 102-foot Hermann the German statue is a landmark that draws about 12,000 visitors annually to New Ulm, which celebrates its German heritage. Hermann was a real figure in history.

New Ulm has a giant German Glockenspiel downtown, famous Schell's Brewery and taproom, and Herman the German who keeps watch over the entire city. Not to mention countless festivals year-round.

Years ago some of the German officers got their first bullet-proof vests from New Ulm. When local authorities upgraded to new vests, they sent their old ones to their foreign friends.