Johann Gottfried Seume Stele

Mystery shrouds the Johann Gottfried Seume Stele. It stands as a silent sentinel on the banks of the Weser. This unassuming stone structure holds a captivating tale of literary intrigue and historic flight. The Johann Gottfried Seume Stele commemorates a pivotal moment in the life of the German writer and traveler, Johann Gottfried Seume. In 1783, Seume, a former Hessian soldier pressed into British service during the American Revolutionary War, found himself in Bremen. He was on his way back to Germany to be sold to the Prussian King. Seume, fearing the Prussians’ harsh reputation, decided to desert. Bremen became his unlikely sanctuary. Citizens of Bremen aided his escape. They helped him jump ship and flee into the city. This act of defiance marked a turning point for Seume. The Johann Gottfried Seume Stele, originally a bronze medallion on the Workers’ House on Auf Der Herrlichkeit, now stands proudly near the Wilhelm-Kaisen-Bridge. The stele features Seume’s portrait and two inscriptions. One inscription simply states: “Johann Gottfried Seume 1763-1810”. The second, more detailed inscription reveals the story of his daring escape: “In 1783 the poet was saved on his flight by citizens of Bremen”. The original medallion was affixed to the Workers’ House. After its destruction during the war, a new bronze cast was created from the original model. In 1963, this recast medallion was placed on a stone stele. This stele is the Johann Gottfried Seume Stele we see today. The monument was a gift from Hermann Allmers, a fellow writer, and the Bremen Artists’ Society. They ensured Seume’s bravery and Bremen’s role in his life would not be forgotten. The Johann Gottfried Seume Stele reminds us of the human stories intertwined with historical events. It tells of desperation, courage, and the kindness of strangers.