For 44 years, the battery’s headquarters were located at North 21st Street next to the city’s compost site and trap shooting range. In March this year, the headquarters were moved to a new building next door, to 514 N. 21st Street.

It was not a far move, but it was a needed change. In 2020, the city conducted an inspection of the former battery house and realized a new structure was needed. After five years of setting aside funds, the city was able to construct the new building and reaffirm the city’s commitment to the battery.

The New Ulm Battery originally formed in 1863 following the U.S. Dakota War of 1862. It was decided that New Ulm required permanent defense. Over the years, the New Ulm Battery transitioned from a true military unit into a voluntary civic organization dedicated to preserving history.

“It is the only known continuous unit of its kind,” New Ulm Battery member Tony Arndt said. “It’s also important to note that the New Ulm Battery has never fired a shot in anger.”

Tony Arndt New Ulm Battery 2nd Lt. Tony Arndt discusses the different carriages used by the battery. Above, bronze cannon from 1856 is the oldest field piece in The New Ulm Battery’s collection.

Today, the battery has a ceremonial presence. The cannon are brought out for special events.

New Ulm Battery President Bruce Olson said they are also a fully volunteer run organization that uses horses when ever possible.

The new building offers a great opportunity for the battery to keep and maintain its equipment, some of which is over 160 years old.

The battery’s most famous piece of equipment is its bronze cannon. It dates back to 1856 and is it’s oldest artillery piece. The battery also has an 1863 cannon that was originally purchased by the Turner Society for defense of the city. The cannon is currently on display at the Brown County Historical Society.

Around 1900, the battery acquired two artillery guns as military surplus. Olson said even though the two guns were acquired 40 years later, they are still Civil War era artillery. One of the guns is on display at City Hall on an aluminum carriage.

Though most of the attention is paid to the cannons and guns used by the battery, the carriages used the move and transport the weapons are also of historic value.

Arndt said the oldest item stored at the battery building is the cannon carriage, which dates back to 1851. All the battery’s wooden carriages date back to between 1851 and 1864.

“That goes as a testament to this club as a whole for the last 160 plus years,” Arndt said. “This equipment is original. It has been maintained and well cared for.”

This includes leather saddles and harnesses, some of which date back to the 1860s. Other saddles are WWI surplus.

Olson said that since horses have long been a part of the battery’s history, they work hard to keep the animals they use comfortable.

New Ulm Battery president Bruce Olson, left, battery treasurer Beth Prechel, center, and battery 2nd Lt. Tony Arndt stand outside the organizations new headquarters building

“We take in consideration what is most humane for the horses,” he said.

Arndt said some of the saddles they use are custom made replicas design to look historically accurate, but fit modern horses. Arndt said horses today are typically smaller than in the 1860s. The original saddles would not necessarily fit the horses of the day.

For the members of the New Ulm Battery, caring for the horses, cannons and carriages are all part of being good stewards of the materials entrusted to them by the city, which continues to be supportive.

“The New Ulm City Council has been super gracious and supportive of us,” Arndt said.

When it became evident that the battery needed a new building, Arndt said the council did not hesitate to start setting aside money for the project. In total, the city made $120,000 available for the building project.

Olson said the project actually came in under budget.

With the new facility, the battery is able to look to the future of the organization. Within a year, the battery is looking to acquire a new cannon barrel. The new cannon would be a replica of the 1856 bronze cannon and could be used for other events.

New Ulm Battery Treasurer Beth Prechel said the replica cannon could be used for out of town events, while the original cannon would be saved for New Ulm events.

“We would rather use the original bronze cannon in New Ulm,” Prechel said.

The New Ulm Battery receives requests to attend events outside of New Ulm. Prechel said they take part in parades in several different communities. The replica cannon is the travel artillery.

Aside from new artillery, the battery is always looking for new members to join.

Olson said the battery is unlike any other volunteer organization. He said its great for people who have an interest in history or horses. It is also a great way to network and make friends.

“Most times, people who join stay with the battery,” Olson said. “The members become like brothers and sisters. There are few other organizations like it.”

Anyone interested in joining the New Ulm Battery is encouraged to email nubattery63@ gmail.com or visit the battery’s facebook page.

The New Ulm Battery will take part in New Ulm’s Memorial Day observation at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26. Traditionally, the battery fires three rounds as part of the ceremony. The Memorial Day program is held at the Lower Soldiers Rest section of the cemetery. In the event of inclement weather, the program is moved to the Community Center at 600 N. German Street. The battery will fire the cannon rain or shine.