The city embarked on a meteoric rise In the late 1800s. it became the greatest horse market in the world. and a huge center for wool and cotton. The first cement plant west of the Mississippi River was built there around that time. German immigrants and their families played a major role in this growth. German cultural contributions in San Antonio are universally acknowledged. Nationally prominent musicians and singers appeared at the Casino Club and Beethoven Hall when San Antonio was an oasis of culture west of the Mississippi in the era of the "Wild West." Song festivalsSangerfestsand gettogethersKommers--were held regularly in the area of San Antonio once called "Little Rhineland." A GermanEnglish school and a German language newspaper served the intellectual and cultural needs of the population. In this age of manned space flight. and moon rockets. it would serve us wel to pause and reflect upon the contributions of the early pioneers and immigrants who explored and expanded th( frontiers of America and allowed tht great country to reach into the frontiern of space. It is truly a privileged honor for mi to salute the members of the Order o the Sons of Hermann on their diamoni JubileeAmerica is indeed fortunate fo: the great German migration to Texa that this organization symbolizes. Thei contributions are numberless and thet achievements renowned.
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immigrants