1861

— Historic Downtown New Ulm —

Frank Erd and his wife, Louise, came to New Ulm from Cincinnati. Frank, whose father was an architect, erected a substantial store, one of the few brick buildings in the city. The Brown County supervisors kept their offices in Erd's building, guaranteeing a steady stream of customers as citizens came to file land titles, pay taxes, and hold court sessions.

During the Dakota Conflict, the building became a refuge for women and children. Gathering in the basement, they placed a keg of gunpowder in the center of the room, with the understanding that if the barricades were breeched, someone would light the fuse. That responsibility was given to Mary Schmitz Ryan, a young woman, six months pregnant. However, after attacks on August 23, 1862, the Dakota withdrew. Two days later, the town was evacuated as survivors marched to Mankato and safety.

The building has seen many changes since 1862. After the Civil War, the Erds added a third floor. When Willibald Eibner bought the business in 1883, he turned it into one of the finest restaurants in southern Minnesota, complete with a bakery and candy making factory. Following a downtown fire in 1936, Eibner rebuilt the front in a striking art moderne style.

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Show me all markers in:  New Ulm, MN  |  Brown County  |  56073  |  Minnesota  |  United States of America

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