I really don't know very much about my Meier ancestors beyond my great grandfather, John Meier.  According to the 1900 census, he arrived in the United States in 1884 and he was born in and emigrated from Germany. However, in the 1910 and 1920 censuses, he said that he arrived in 1885 - reminds me that I can't take everything in the census documents as gospel! John was born in and emigrated from Dingolfing, Bavaria, Germany. 

Here is the location of Dingolfing on a map of Germany, and also on a map of Bavaria:

Germany                                       Bavaria

The area now called Dingolfing was first mentioned as Tinguluinga in the year 833.

In the year 1251 the duke of Bavaria, Otto II. awarded municipal rights to the town, which was the Upper City. The Lower City, around the church of St. John's, was an older settlement belonging to the Prince-Bishopric of Regensburg. By treaty of 1265 between Duke and Bishop, both cities were united.

Dingolfing's large growth took place during the years of about 1315 to 1600. During this time the city prospered mostly through trade, fishing, leather craft and the production of wool cloths. The duke promoted these works, causing Dingolfing to prosper even more.

The war of Austrian succession caused very heavy damage to the city and decimated the population by epidemics. The city became nothing more than debris and ash on May 16, 1743 after being fired upon by Austrian troops. Greater parts of the city were burnt in a large fire. Many of the town's records were destroyed in this fire.

Between 1802 and 1803 the local courts were dissolved. Between 1816 and 1817 there were many economic and harvest failures. There was also a period of large price increases. This period is thought to be the lowest point in the long history of the city.

A railroad track leading from Munich to Prague and many new roads were built in the mid-19th century, which began a major turn-around for the city. Many new industries formed in Dingolfing around this time too. The region began to paint a new picture of itself.

Here are some photos from present-day Dingolfing:

If you have any connection to this family, please let me know!

(updated 6.5.2021)