10/06/2026
Today, we celebrate German American Day, a day recognizing the history, heritage, and contributions of Americans of German descent.
German immigration to what is now the United States began in the 1600s, with significant waves continuing throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Like many immigrants before and after them, German immigrants came in search of religious freedom, economic opportunity, political stability, and a better future for their families. So many came that German is the most commonly reported ancestry in the United States with approximately 45 million Americans reporting having German ancestry in the 2020 Census.
That history is especially meaningful here in Michigan where Detroit became an important center of German immigration during the 19th century. By the turn of the 20th, more than 30,000 German immigrants lived in Detroit, representing nearly one-third of the city’s foreign-born population.
German American Day is more than a celebration of heritage, it's a reminder that immigration is deeply connected to the history of the United States. Today, we celebrate the German American experience and the many generations of immigrants whose contributions have helped shape our communities and our country. Happy German American Day! 🇩🇪🇺🇸