When German settlers founded New Ulm, they used a stately oak tree that still stands at 3rd South and German streets as the reference point for the town plat. One hundred and fifty years later, the town’s residents celebrated New Ulm’s anniversary with a different type of tree. Reminiscent of those that decorate German towns, the Heritage Tree depicts different stages of the town’s history, from a riverboat to the railroad, the New Ulm Battery and a beer wagon. A plaque explains the significance of each item. 1st South and Minnesota streets.