Speech #1100163648

Over 10.000 Minnesotans participated in selecting cities to serve as Capital for a Day throughout the week of May 11th18th to commemorate Minnesotas Sesquicentennial. I am very pleased that the city of New Ulm was selected for this honor. New Ulm was settled by German immigrants in the 1850s and throughout its early history served as an important trading center for steamboats carrying goods up the Minnesota River. New Ulm was once considered the Polka Capital of the Nation and is home to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. where visitors can view the music memorabilia of national and local artists. The city is also home to the famous Hermann Monument. a monument to GermanAmericans and the cultural influence German immigrants have had on the region. The monument. which was dedicated in 1897. overlooks New Ulm from Hermann Heights Park. Today.