Census figures for 2000 showed the biggest ethnic group by national ancestry was German. That year, 42.8 million Americans—15.2 percent of the whole—identified their ancestry as German. The 2010 census showed the biggest ethnic group was Hispanics, including Mexican, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Spanish, and others Latinos. However, although the Census Bureau has yet to issue its 2010 ancestry report, it appears Germans will remain the largest single national ancestry group.
The amazing story of the role of that group in the development of St. Louis is the subject of Beer, Brats, and Baseball: St. Louis Germans. The book by writer Jim Merkel will be out in September and is available through Amazon.com. The release/signing party will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16 at the Feasting Fox, 4200 S. Grand. Blvd. in St. Louis.
