CULLMAN, Ala. – The 14th annual Oktoberfest Candlelight Walking Tour is set to kick off in front of the Cullman Depot (304 First Ave. NE) at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28. This tour promises to delve into captivating stories and commemorate the city’s 150th anniversary, meandering through the historic streets of Cullman, primarily along First and Second Avenues on the east side of the railroad tracks.
The tour, which is expected to last about an hour, offers attendees a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Cullman’s cultural heritage. Visitors are encouraged to keep an eye out for the Cullman Electric Cooperative tent, where they can snag a free glow stick or candle to light their way through the past.
This year, the tour will shed light on events that pre-date the official founding of Cullman in 1873. While Col. John Cullmann is widely recognized as the city’s founder, lesser-known individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping the city will take center stage.
One such figure is Mr. Albert Fink, the then-general manager of the Louisville & Nashville (L&N) Railroad Company. In November 1872, Fink, accompanied by others, disembarked from a train at Milner’s, a station 2 miles north of Cullman, and joined forces with Col. Cullmann to explore the area that would become the city of Cullman. With the support of L&N, a colony was established on the vacant lands of this mountain plateau, marking the state’s first successful colony.
The tour will also spotlight Gottfried Adolph Prinz, one of the first five men to arrive in the area. Prinz played a crucial role in clearing the streets and building the foundation of Cullman. He was appointed as the city’s postmaster in December 1873, and his mercantile store became the first brick building in Cullman. The tour will reveal what now occupies this historic site.
The tour’s primary focus will be on the years 1873-1900, offering a blend of oral stories and insights from newspaper articles of the time, including The Cullman Tribune (also known as The Alabama Tribune). These articles provide glimpses into the past, such as the grand celebration of the establishment of the County of Cullman in 1877, complete with details on admission to the ball.
For those unable to join the Thursday evening tour there will be a Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour on Saturday, Sept. 30, departing from the Cullman County Museum (211 Second Ave. NE) at 12:45 p.m. This historical bus and walking tour will delve into Cullman’s early days, its architectural gems, cultural heritage and religious roots. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
As the bus tour concludes, participants will have the chance to disembark and explore Cullman’s first church, St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church (512 Second Ave. SE), truly immersing themselves in the city’s rich history and spiritual foundations.
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