Fontane's Fake News - The true story behind Fontane's famous ballad "John Maynard"

There was no real John Maynard
Research has shown that the John Maynard described by Fontane never existed. The ballad is loosely based on a real shipwreck in which the paddle steamer "Erie" caught fire on Lake Erie in 1841. However, the helmsman's real name was Luther Fuller and not John Maynard.

Artistic freedom for a good story
Fontane took poetic liberties to make the story more dramatic and effective. For example, he had all the passengers survive, while hundreds died in the real disaster. He also gave the brave helmsman the memorable name "John Maynard" and a glorious funeral - both fictitious.

Why the ballad is still important
Even though John Maynard never existed, Fontane's ballad has touched and inspired generations of readers. It celebrates heroism, sacrifice and the saving of human lives. By exaggerating the story, Fontane turned it into a timeless lesson in human values. Perhaps reality had to be embellished somewhat for this.

A memorial plaque for the legend

German visitors were often disappointed that the grave mentioned by Fontane with the city's "thanksgiving" in "golden script" on the "marble stone" in Buffalo, the destination of the ill-fated ship, could not be found.
Thus, since 1997 a memorial plaque has commemorated John Maynard - the legend, mind you, not a real person. Fontane's poem can be read on it in English and German. A reference to Luther Fuller and the burning of the "Erie" thereby establishes a link to reality.

John Maynard may be a literary fiction, but it is one that has touched millions of people around the world and made them think. Sometimes a good story is more effective than reality. The memorial plaque in Buffalo is a tribute to the power of literature.