Laupheim
Encyclopedia
Laupheim is a city
in southern Germany
in the state
of Baden Württemberg. Laupheim was first mentioned in 778 and gained its city rights
in 1869. One of the main trading routes, from Ulm
to Ravensburg
and then on towards Lake Constance
ran through Laupheim. Having developed from a rural settlement into a small urban area, Laupheim is home to a number of small to medium sized industries and businesses. One of the largest employers is the German Army
which maintains an airbase of the Army Aviation Corps in Laupheim.
Laupheim was the administrative centre of the district
of Laupheim from 1842 until 1938 when the district was abolished. The southern parts of it were incorporated into the district of Biberach
(including Laupheim itself) whereas the remainders were allocated to the district of Ulm.
In the second half of the 19th century Laupheim was home to the largest Jewish community in the Kingdom of Württemberg
.
Laupheim is the educational centre for the surrounding rural areas particularly with regards to secondary education.
approximately 20 km north of Biberach
and 20 km south of Ulm on the Bundesstraße 30
. Laupheim is the second largest city in the district of Biberach. The original settlement of Laupheim was located close to the
Rottum which still runs through the city but since 1950 the city has expanded and sprawls onto the surrounding slopes.
The elevation within the city confines ranges from 509 m (1670 ft) above sea level
at the bottom of the valley to 539 m (1768 ft) in the outlying suburban areas.
Apart from the city of Laupheim itself, administratively, the following once autonomous villages nowadays belong to Laupheim: Baustetten (population 2032), Obersulmetingen (population 1201), Untersulmetingen (population 1788) and Bihlafingen (population 689) which, with an elevation of 580 m (1903 ft), has the highest elevation of the administrative area.
s roamed the countryside. From ca. 2000 BCE onwards, Celts inhabited this area. Until around the year 260 CE
, it was part of the Roman province
of Raetia
, after which the Alamanni
invaded the Agri Decumates
, eventually also settling in what was to become Laupheim.
Laupheim was first mentioned as Louphaim in a charter dated 778. The charter
is still kept in the archive
s of the monastery
of St Gallen, Switzerland
. This reference is the earliest of any city in Upper Swabia and any parish
in the district of Biberach.
Situated in the vicinity of two major trade route
s between the Lake of Constance and Ulm and the Swabian Alb
and the valley
of the river
Iller
respectively, Laupheim developed into a major settlement. In 853, it was elevated to the status of town
when a court
responsible for the Rammachgau
(also spelled Rammagau) was set up there.
During the 9th century, parts of Laupheim came into the possession of the monastery
of Weißenburg
which was afterwards passed on to successive minor Swabian aristocratic houses.
As early as the 10th century, Laupheim possessed a parish church
with subsidiaries. In 926, Laupheim and its surroundings were destroyed by the Hungarians. A castle
is mentioned around the year 1100.
Laupheim appears to have been home of an indigenous noble family, whose members used the suffix von Laupheim. They were attested for the first time in 1110. The last known member of this family was Berchtolt von Laupheim who was a citizen of Ulm 1372, long after his family has lost possession of any rights in Laupheim around 1310.
After the collapse of the Empire
of the Staufers
during the 13th century, the castle and parish of Laupheim came into the possession of the Truchsessen
von Waldburg
who, in 1331, sold Laupheim together with their other possessions in Upper Swabia to the Austrian
House of Habsburg
.
The Habsburgs mortgaged
Laupheim in 1362 to the Herren
von Ellerbach, who originated from nearby Erbach
, and enfeoffed
this baronial family in 1407 with castle, town and patronage of the church.
The village was badly affected by the crisis of the mid 14th century, caused by the Black Death
and other factors. The population shrunk and as a consequence the hamlet
of Ringelhausen, situated between Laupheim and Bronnen, was deserted and lost. Only the name of a street in the city of Laupheim nowadays hints at the existence of this hamlet.
The Herren von Ellerbach had St Leonhard's Chapel built in 1448, which soon became a place of pilgrimage
.
In 1484, Emperor
Sigismund
bestowed upon Burkhard von Ellerbach the right to hold regular markets, Laupheim thereby becoming a market town
, and also the privilege of inflicting high justice
, which gave him the right to hold a criminal
court inflicting bodily punishment, including the death penalty. The local ruler was now master of life and death. Due to the weekly market and the annual Gallus
-market, Laupheim quickly developed into a commercial centre.
During the course of the German Peasants' War
1525, Laupheim Castle was destroyed by the Baltringer Haufen
, an army of peasants named after the nearby village of Baltringen
, where approximately 12.000 farmers gathered to form an army. After the suppression of the revolt, the peasants were forced to rebuild the castle.
After the agnatic
line of the Ellerbach
dynasty
became extinct in 1570, Laupheim passed through Hans Pankraz von Freyberg to the Herren von Welden in 1582. They turned Laupheim into their permanent residence and established the first school
in 1584. From 1582 until 1806, Laupheim was a Lordship (Reichsritterschaft) ruled by the heir of the Welden family, whose title was "Imperial Knight
" (Reichsritter).
In 1596, the right to bear a coat of arms
was given to Laupheim, showing the colours of green, white and red together with three leaves on a three hills, thereby incorporating the coat-of-arms of the family of Welden with the three leaves, referring to the name of the town on the hills of the valley of the river Rottum.
The last member of the House of Ellerbach, Anna von Freyberg, founded the Hospital
of the Holy Spirit
in 1601, the building of which still exists and now functions as a retirement home
.
Between 1623 and 1661, the church St. Peter and Paul was built in the vicinity of the castle.
Due to the inheritance laws of the house of Welden, the market town was divided into two different territories, Großlaupheim and Kleinlaupheim (Great Laupheim and Little Laupheim), in 1621, at the beginning of the Thirty Years' War
(1618–1648), each territory being ruled by its own dynasty. As a consequence economic growth
slowed down.
During the Thirty Years' War
, Laupheim repeatedly fell victim to the ravages of war
, mainly due to marauding troops, both imperial
, that is Catholic
, and Swedish
, their Protestant opponents. A massive outbreak
of the bubonic plague
in 1635 further diminished the population. At the close of the Thirty Years' War, Laupheim had lost two thirds of its pre-war population, so that ultimately towards the end of 17th century, Laupheim had sunk to the status of an unimportant, impoverished village
. As a consequence of the Thirty Years' War, the feudal lords attempted to increase taxation and extend the amount of socage the peasants had to do for them. This led to legal conflicts between the two parties, which lasted for decades.
In order to stimulate the local economy
and income generated by taxation, Carl Damian von Welden allowed the first Jewish families to settle in Großlaupheim in the 1720s. This which was made possible by a contract, protecting the Jews
. The Jews were made to settle in an area of the town soon to be called Judenberg (literally Jews' mountain or Jews' hill). Subsequently, a Jewish quarter
evolved, with a cemetery
, synagogue
, school and a Rabbi
's office.
During the 18th century, the Welden dynasty had the old castle, Großlaupheim Castle, restored, and subsequently renewed in Baroque
-style in 1752. Between 1766 and 1769, the branch of the Welden dynasty that ruled Kleinlaupheim had their residence renewed in Baroque
-style by architect Johann Georg Specht
. This castle is now called Schloss Kleinlaupheim (Kleinlaupheim Castle). This makes Laupheim unique in that it has two castles within its city boundaries, as a result of once having been two independent states.
In 1778, a town hall and the granary
were built in the Upper Market Square.
Following the Reichsdeputationshauptschluss, the mediatisation and secularisation of numerous secular and ecclesiastical principalities within the former Holy Roman Empire
, both parts of Laupheim were annexed by the newly formed Kingdom of Württemberg
in 1806. It was administratively part of the district of Wiblingen until 1845 when the administration was moved to Laupheim, creating the district of Laupheim, ultimately disbanded in 1938 when Laupheim became part of the district of Biberach.
Due to laws based on the ideas of the enlightenment
, servitude in the Kingdom of Württemberg was abolished in 1836. During the same period, laws forcing Jews to live in separate quarters and excluding them from most business activities were revoked. This enabled them to contribute enormously to the economic upturn Laupheim was experiencing, even though complete civil rights were not granted until 1864.
In 1848, with the arrival of civil servants from the original Duchy
of Württemberg (Altwürttemberg), a Protestant parish was founded.
In 1850, a train station
opened two kilometers west of Laupheim, on the route of the main railway artery Ulm
-Friedrichshafen
, that passes Laupheim to the West, the station therefore being named as Laupheim-West.
In 1869, Laupheim was granted a city charter by King Karl I. of Württemberg. In the same year, the first institute of further education, a Lateinschule
, was established in Laupheim. In 1871, Laupheim, being part of the Kingdom of Württemberg, was incorporated into the German Empire
.
During the steep economic growth of the Gründerzeit
, the period between 1871 and 1914, Laupheim had the highest density of public houses in the whole Kingdom of Württemberg.
In 1904, the city was connected to the railway line Ulm-Friedrichshafen by an extra route, linking the railway artery with the city itself. At the same time a train station was built in the city. This extension of the railway line went on for a further 16 km, terminating at the village of Schwendi
.
Before World War I, Laupheim had one of the largest Jewish communities in Württemberg. However, the appointment of Adolf Hitler
as Chancellor of Germany in 1933 and the systematic deprivation and subsequent suppression of Jews
in Germany
, also had their effects on Laupheim, culminating in the destruction by fire of the synagogue
during the so-called Kristallnacht
1938.
Due to the programme of aryanization
, many businesses in Laupheim originally owned by Jews
, were expropriated and transferred into German
ownership.
126 of 312 Jewish inhabitants of Laupheim managed to flee abroad, most of them after the so-called Kristallnacht
. In 1939, the remaining Jews in Laupheim were resettled within the city, only to be deported to concentration
and extermination camps
in 1941 and 1942. After the last of four transports, the Jewish community in Laupheim ceased to exist on 19 August 1942.
Sixty-two Jewish citizens of Laupheim perished in the Shoah
, only two survived.
After World War II
, in the 1960s, Laupheim began the to renew and modernize its appearance. New schools were built: a grammar school
, a realschule
and a new town hall. From the 1980s onwards, these projects were followed by a new district hospital, a public in-doors swimming pool
, a renovated stadium
, named after Gretel Bergmann
who was born in Laupheim, and an omnibus interchange.
Additionally, several industrial estates on the outskirts of the city were established in order to attract trade and industry. As a consequence, companies from outside Laupheim established offices and production facilities there, as well as companies that formerly had been operating from the city centre.
Having developed from a rural market town into a city, predominated by industry, trade and the service industries, the demographics of Laupheim have changed as well.
After growing continuously from 1871 until 1933, from the Gründerzeit
until the Nazis came to power, this development came to a halt. The stagnation and eventual decrease in population was due to increasing persecution of the Jews, as a result of which many Jewish inhabitants left Laupheim or, after 1940, were deported and subsequently murdered.
Since 1945, the population of Laupheim has almost doubled. This is due to the fact that a great number of refugees from formerly German territories
east of the Oder-Neisse line
were settled in Laupheim.
The establishment of a German Army Aviation Corps airbase in 1964 further contributed to the growth in population.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union
in 1991, an influx of ethnic German
s from the Commonwealth of Independent States
added to the population growth.
The number of non-German inhabitants of Laupheim totals 1690 (8,6 % of the total population).
During the local election
s on 7 June 2009, all seats on the city council were contested. The elections gave the following result:
The next local elections are due to be held in 2014.
of Baden-Württemberg
as well as the Bundestag
.
The following politicians were/are from Laupheim:
Neustadt an der Orla
, Thuringia
(former GDR)
which is a branch of the district court
of Biberach.
Laupheim is home to Medium Transport Regiment 25 "Oberschwaben" (Upper Swabia) and Support Squadron
10 of the German Army Aviation Corps (Heeresflieger). The German Army Aviaton Corps base was established in 1964 utilizing already existing facilities.
German Army Aviation Corps Medium Transport Regiment 25 Oberschwaben is equipped with transport helicopter
CH-53
. German Army Aviation Corps Support Squadron 10 is equipped with helicopters of the type Bo-105
.
Until the beginning of the 1990s the regiment had only seen service in other NATO countries, mainly while on manoeuvre or on aid-missions after natural disasters. Since then, however, it has been sent abroad on various aid-missions and so far has seen service abroad on peace-keeping
missions with the UN and NATO, first in Iraq
after the 1st Gulf War
, then on the Balkans
with IFOR
, KFOR, SFOR
and EUFOR, in Afghanistan
as part of ISAF
, and most in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
as part of EUFOR RD Congo
to support the UN mission MONUC
to monitor the general elections in 2006. This mission began in June 2006 and ended with the last soldiers returning in December of the same year.
With a workforce
of about 1800, the base is the largest, single employer in Laupheim.
Großlaupheim Castle is situated on a hill on the verge of the city close to the local parish church.
The existence of a castle in Laupheim was documented for the first time around the year 1100. There is no evidence that the castle originally consisted of more than a wooden structure. This castle existed until the Peasants' War in 1525, when rebellious peasants destroyed it. After end of hostilities, the peasants were forced to rebuilt the castle in stone. The structure as it stands today was erected in three different phases:
of the History of Christians and Jews is situated in Großlaupheim Castle. It is unique in Germany, in that its collection concentrates on the documentation of the relationship between Christians and Jews on a local level, using Laupheim, which once had the largest Jewish community in the Kingdom of Württemberg, as an example. The exhibition documents in chronological order all aspects of more than 200 years of Jewish life in Laupheim.
The park is situated at the bottom of the hill on top of which Schloss Großlaupheim lies. The castle park was designed in the English Style
by Kilian von Steiner
. A huge number of trees, meadows and lakes created an impressive appearance. Originally, it was well known for its exotic trees and plants. Formerly, there were five lakes, which, during winter, provided a brewery
with ice. During summer, the lakes were used for raising trout
. However, the maintenance of the ground and the lakes was neglected during the last couple of decades due to a lack of council funding. In recent years efforts have been made to restore the park, at least in parts, to its former glory.
Kleinlaupheim Castle is situated on a hill south-west of the river Rottum within the city limits of Laupheim.
In its present state it was built between 1766 and 1769 as a place of residence for the ruler of Kleinlaupheim at the time, the Freiherr
Joseph Ignaz von Welden-Kleinlaupheim (1721–1802). It was designed by Johann Georg Specht
of Lindenberg
in Baroque-style. It consists of a three storey building with a curved mansard roof. Pilasters, cornices and gables
enliven the facade
of the building. Inside there is a remarkable grand staircase in the vestibule
.
It now houses the local police station
and also an art gallery
, Die Wache Gallerie, a pun on words in that Wache can mean police station
as well as alert or awake.
in Baroque-style, showing influences of manierism. The interior of the church is decorated with sculptures by Dominikus Hermenegild Herberger and paintings by Johann Georg Bergmüller
.
and Public Observatory
of Laupheim counts about 40000 visitors each year. It is run on a mostly voluntary basis by the club Volkssternwarte Laupheim e.V. (founded 1975), providing high quality astronomical
education
. The work of the club has been recognized by astronomer Carolyn Shoemaker, who named the planetoid 7167 Laupheim
in honour of the institution.
, the Kinder- und Heimatfest, takes place at the last weekend of June. It consists of historical processions and parades, performed by different groups, incorporating performances in historical costumes, concert band
s and floats
, referring to contemporary and historical events. There is also a funfair
, accompanied by several beer tents, as well as much revelling in the bars
, cafes
and pubs of the city
.
, it is concentrated on the Upper and Lower Market Square. The name of the event derives from the Neptune
-fountain, situated in the Upper Market Square. A great number of stalls serves Swabia
n and international cuisine
as well as a large variety of beverages. The stalls are organised and manned by local clubs. Concert band
s, Jazz
bands and Volksmusik
bands entertain visitors. On a stage dance and sport performances are shown. Additionally, a flea market
is held at the same time.
City
A city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...
in southern Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
in the state
States of Germany
Germany is made up of sixteen which are partly sovereign constituent states of the Federal Republic of Germany. Land literally translates as "country", and constitutionally speaking, they are constituent countries...
of Baden Württemberg. Laupheim was first mentioned in 778 and gained its city rights
German town law
German town law or German municipal concerns concerns town privileges used by many cities, towns, and villages throughout Central and Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages.- Town law in Germany :...
in 1869. One of the main trading routes, from Ulm
Ulm
Ulm is a city in the federal German state of Baden-Württemberg, situated on the River Danube. The city, whose population is estimated at 120,000 , forms an urban district of its own and is the administrative seat of the Alb-Donau district. Ulm, founded around 850, is rich in history and...
to Ravensburg
Ravensburg
Ravensburg is a town in Upper Swabia in Southern Germany, capital of the district of Ravensburg, Baden-Württemberg.Ravensburg was first mentioned in 1088. In the Middle Ages, it was an Imperial Free City and an important trading centre...
and then on towards Lake Constance
Lake Constance
Lake Constance is a lake on the Rhine at the northern foot of the Alps, and consists of three bodies of water: the Obersee , the Untersee , and a connecting stretch of the Rhine, called the Seerhein.The lake is situated in Germany, Switzerland and Austria near the Alps...
ran through Laupheim. Having developed from a rural settlement into a small urban area, Laupheim is home to a number of small to medium sized industries and businesses. One of the largest employers is the German Army
German Army
The German Army is the land component of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. Following the disbanding of the Wehrmacht after World War II, it was re-established in 1955 as the Bundesheer, part of the newly formed West German Bundeswehr along with the Navy and the Air Force...
which maintains an airbase of the Army Aviation Corps in Laupheim.
Laupheim was the administrative centre of the district
Districts of Germany
The districts of Germany are known as , except in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein where they are known simply as ....
of Laupheim from 1842 until 1938 when the district was abolished. The southern parts of it were incorporated into the district of Biberach
Biberach (district)
Biberach is a district in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is bounded by the districts of Ravensburg, Sigmaringen, Reutlingen and Alb-Donau, and the Bavarian districts Neu-Ulm, Unterallgäu and the district-free city Memmingen...
(including Laupheim itself) whereas the remainders were allocated to the district of Ulm.
In the second half of the 19th century Laupheim was home to the largest Jewish community in the Kingdom of Württemberg
Kingdom of Württemberg
The Kingdom of Württemberg was a state that existed from 1806 to 1918, located in present-day Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It was a continuation of the Duchy of Württemberg, which came into existence in 1495...
.
Laupheim is the educational centre for the surrounding rural areas particularly with regards to secondary education.
Geography
Laupheim is situated in the region of Upper SwabiaUpper Swabia
Upper Swabia is a region in Germany in the federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The name refers to the area between the Swabian Alb, Lake Constance and the Lech...
approximately 20 km north of Biberach
Biberach an der Riß
Biberach is a town in the south of Germany. It is the capital of Biberach district, in the Upper Swabia region of the German state of Baden-Württemberg...
and 20 km south of Ulm on the Bundesstraße 30
Bundesstraße 30
The Bundesstraße 30 is a highly frequented federal highway in Germany running through Upper Swabia in Baden-Württemberg from Ulm to Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance...
. Laupheim is the second largest city in the district of Biberach. The original settlement of Laupheim was located close to the
Rottum which still runs through the city but since 1950 the city has expanded and sprawls onto the surrounding slopes.
The elevation within the city confines ranges from 509 m (1670 ft) above sea level
Sea level
Mean sea level is a measure of the average height of the ocean's surface ; used as a standard in reckoning land elevation...
at the bottom of the valley to 539 m (1768 ft) in the outlying suburban areas.
Apart from the city of Laupheim itself, administratively, the following once autonomous villages nowadays belong to Laupheim: Baustetten (population 2032), Obersulmetingen (population 1201), Untersulmetingen (population 1788) and Bihlafingen (population 689) which, with an elevation of 580 m (1903 ft), has the highest elevation of the administrative area.
History
The area in and around Laupheim has been settled from very early times onwards. Archaeological evidence shows that 15000 years ago nomadic tribeTribe
A tribe, viewed historically or developmentally, consists of a social group existing before the development of, or outside of, states.Many anthropologists use the term tribal society to refer to societies organized largely on the basis of kinship, especially corporate descent groups .Some theorists...
s roamed the countryside. From ca. 2000 BCE onwards, Celts inhabited this area. Until around the year 260 CE
Common Era
Common Era ,abbreviated as CE, is an alternative designation for the calendar era originally introduced by Dionysius Exiguus in the 6th century, traditionally identified with Anno Domini .Dates before the year 1 CE are indicated by the usage of BCE, short for Before the Common Era Common Era...
, it was part of the Roman province
Roman province
In Ancient Rome, a province was the basic, and, until the Tetrarchy , largest territorial and administrative unit of the empire's territorial possessions outside of Italy...
of Raetia
Raetia
Raetia was a province of the Roman Empire, named after the Rhaetian people. It was bounded on the west by the country of the Helvetii, on the east by Noricum, on the north by Vindelicia, on the west by Cisalpine Gaul and on south by Venetia et Histria...
, after which the Alamanni
Alamanni
The Alamanni, Allemanni, or Alemanni were originally an alliance of Germanic tribes located around the upper Rhine river . One of the earliest references to them is the cognomen Alamannicus assumed by Roman Emperor Caracalla, who ruled the Roman Empire from 211 to 217 and claimed thereby to be...
invaded the Agri Decumates
Agri Decumates
The agri decumates or decumates agri were a region of the Roman Empire's province of Germania superior , covering the Black Forest area between the Main river and the sources of Danube and Rhine rivers, presently in Southwestern Germany...
, eventually also settling in what was to become Laupheim.
Laupheim was first mentioned as Louphaim in a charter dated 778. The charter
Charter
A charter is the grant of authority or rights, stating that the granter formally recognizes the prerogative of the recipient to exercise the rights specified...
is still kept in the archive
Archive
An archive is a collection of historical records, or the physical place they are located. Archives contain primary source documents that have accumulated over the course of an individual or organization's lifetime, and are kept to show the function of an organization...
s of the monastery
Monastery
Monastery denotes the building, or complex of buildings, that houses a room reserved for prayer as well as the domestic quarters and workplace of monastics, whether monks or nuns, and whether living in community or alone .Monasteries may vary greatly in size – a small dwelling accommodating only...
of St Gallen, Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
. This reference is the earliest of any city in Upper Swabia and any parish
Parish
A parish is a territorial unit historically under the pastoral care and clerical jurisdiction of one parish priest, who might be assisted in his pastoral duties by a curate or curates - also priests but not the parish priest - from a more or less central parish church with its associated organization...
in the district of Biberach.
Situated in the vicinity of two major trade route
Trade route
A trade route is a logistical network identified as a series of pathways and stoppages used for the commercial transport of cargo. Allowing goods to reach distant markets, a single trade route contains long distance arteries which may further be connected to several smaller networks of commercial...
s between the Lake of Constance and Ulm and the Swabian Alb
Swabian Alb
The Swabian Alps or Swabian Jura is a low mountain range in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, extending 220 km from southwest to northeast and 40 to 70 km in width. It is named after the region of Swabia....
and the valley
Valley
In geology, a valley or dale is a depression with predominant extent in one direction. A very deep river valley may be called a canyon or gorge.The terms U-shaped and V-shaped are descriptive terms of geography to characterize the form of valleys...
of the river
River
A river is a natural watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, a lake, a sea, or another river. In a few cases, a river simply flows into the ground or dries up completely before reaching another body of water. Small rivers may also be called by several other names, including...
Iller
Iller
The Iller is a river in Bavaria, Germany. It is a right tributary of the Danube, 147 km in length.The source is located near Oberstdorf in the Allgäu region of the Alps, close to the Austrian border. From there it runs northwards, passing the towns of Sonthofen, Immenstadt, and Kempten...
respectively, Laupheim developed into a major settlement. In 853, it was elevated to the status of town
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
when a court
Court
A court is a form of tribunal, often a governmental institution, with the authority to adjudicate legal disputes between parties and carry out the administration of justice in civil, criminal, and administrative matters in accordance with the rule of law...
responsible for the Rammachgau
Rammachgau
The Rammachgau was a Gau in southern Germany in present-day Baden-Württemberg. The Rammachgau was located in northern Upper Swabia.-Origin and name:...
(also spelled Rammagau) was set up there.
During the 9th century, parts of Laupheim came into the possession of the monastery
Monastery
Monastery denotes the building, or complex of buildings, that houses a room reserved for prayer as well as the domestic quarters and workplace of monastics, whether monks or nuns, and whether living in community or alone .Monasteries may vary greatly in size – a small dwelling accommodating only...
of Weißenburg
Wissembourg
Wissembourg is a commune in the Bas-Rhin department in Alsace in northeastern France.It is situated on the little River Lauter close to the border between France and Germany approximately north of Strasbourg and west of Karlsruhe. Wissembourg is a sub-prefecture of the department...
which was afterwards passed on to successive minor Swabian aristocratic houses.
As early as the 10th century, Laupheim possessed a parish church
Parish church
A parish church , in Christianity, is the church which acts as the religious centre of a parish, the basic administrative unit of episcopal churches....
with subsidiaries. In 926, Laupheim and its surroundings were destroyed by the Hungarians. A castle
Castle
A castle is a type of fortified structure built in Europe and the Middle East during the Middle Ages by European nobility. Scholars debate the scope of the word castle, but usually consider it to be the private fortified residence of a lord or noble...
is mentioned around the year 1100.
Laupheim appears to have been home of an indigenous noble family, whose members used the suffix von Laupheim. They were attested for the first time in 1110. The last known member of this family was Berchtolt von Laupheim who was a citizen of Ulm 1372, long after his family has lost possession of any rights in Laupheim around 1310.
After the collapse of the Empire
Empire
The term empire derives from the Latin imperium . Politically, an empire is a geographically extensive group of states and peoples united and ruled either by a monarch or an oligarchy....
of the Staufers
Hohenstaufen
The House of Hohenstaufen was a dynasty of German kings in the High Middle Ages, lasting from 1138 to 1254. Three of these kings were also crowned Holy Roman Emperor. In 1194 the Hohenstaufens also became Kings of Sicily...
during the 13th century, the castle and parish of Laupheim came into the possession of the Truchsessen
Seneschal
A seneschal was an officer in the houses of important nobles in the Middle Ages. In the French administrative system of the Middle Ages, the sénéchal was also a royal officer in charge of justice and control of the administration in southern provinces, equivalent to the northern French bailli...
von Waldburg
Waldburg
Waldburg is a town in the district of Ravensburg in Baden-Württemberg in Germany. Most notably is the medieval castle that sits atop the large hill in the town...
who, in 1331, sold Laupheim together with their other possessions in Upper Swabia to the Austrian
Austrians
Austrians are a nation and ethnic group, consisting of the population of the Republic of Austria and its historical predecessor states who share a common Austrian culture and Austrian descent....
House of Habsburg
Habsburg
The House of Habsburg , also found as Hapsburg, and also known as House of Austria is one of the most important royal houses of Europe and is best known for being an origin of all of the formally elected Holy Roman Emperors between 1438 and 1740, as well as rulers of the Austrian Empire and...
.
The Habsburgs mortgaged
Mortgage loan
A mortgage loan is a loan secured by real property through the use of a mortgage note which evidences the existence of the loan and the encumbrance of that realty through the granting of a mortgage which secures the loan...
Laupheim in 1362 to the Herren
Freiherr
The German titles Freiherr and Freifrau and Freiin are titles of nobility, used preceding a person's given name or, after 1919, before the surname...
von Ellerbach, who originated from nearby Erbach
Erbach
-Places:*Erbach, a constituent community of Bad Camberg in Hesse*Erbach an der Donau, town in Baden-Württemberg**Erbach Castle, castle in Erbach an der Donau*Erbach im Odenwald, town in Hesse**Erbacher Schloss, castle in Erbach im Odenwald...
, and enfeoffed
Enfeoffment
Under the European feudal system, enfeoffment was the deed by which a person was given land in exchange for a pledge of service. This mechanism was later used to avoid restrictions on the passage of title in land by a system in which a landowner would give land to one person for the use of another...
this baronial family in 1407 with castle, town and patronage of the church.
The village was badly affected by the crisis of the mid 14th century, caused by the Black Death
Black Death
The Black Death was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, peaking in Europe between 1348 and 1350. Of several competing theories, the dominant explanation for the Black Death is the plague theory, which attributes the outbreak to the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Thought to have...
and other factors. The population shrunk and as a consequence the hamlet
Hamlet
The Tragical History of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, or more simply Hamlet, is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1599 and 1601...
of Ringelhausen, situated between Laupheim and Bronnen, was deserted and lost. Only the name of a street in the city of Laupheim nowadays hints at the existence of this hamlet.
The Herren von Ellerbach had St Leonhard's Chapel built in 1448, which soon became a place of pilgrimage
Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage is a journey or search of great moral or spiritual significance. Typically, it is a journey to a shrine or other location of importance to a person's beliefs and faith...
.
In 1484, Emperor
Emperor
An emperor is a monarch, usually the sovereign ruler of an empire or another type of imperial realm. Empress, the female equivalent, may indicate an emperor's wife or a woman who rules in her own right...
Sigismund
Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor
Sigismund of Luxemburg KG was King of Hungary, of Croatia from 1387 to 1437, of Bohemia from 1419, and Holy Roman Emperor for four years from 1433 until 1437, the last Emperor of the House of Luxemburg. He was also King of Italy from 1431, and of Germany from 1411...
bestowed upon Burkhard von Ellerbach the right to hold regular markets, Laupheim thereby becoming a market town
Market town
Market town or market right is a legal term, originating in the medieval period, for a European settlement that has the right to host markets, distinguishing it from a village and city...
, and also the privilege of inflicting high justice
High Justice
High Justice is a 1974 collection of science fiction short stories by Jerry Pournelle. It was republished in a omnibus edition with Exiles to Glory in 2009 as Exile -- and Glory....
, which gave him the right to hold a criminal
Criminal law
Criminal law, is the body of law that relates to crime. It might be defined as the body of rules that defines conduct that is not allowed because it is held to threaten, harm or endanger the safety and welfare of people, and that sets out the punishment to be imposed on people who do not obey...
court inflicting bodily punishment, including the death penalty. The local ruler was now master of life and death. Due to the weekly market and the annual Gallus
Saint Gall
Saint Gall, Gallen, or Gallus was an Irish disciple and one of the traditionally twelve companions of Saint Columbanus on his mission from Ireland to the continent. Saint Deicolus is called an older brother of Gall.-Biography:...
-market, Laupheim quickly developed into a commercial centre.
During the course of the German Peasants' War
German Peasants' War
The German Peasants' War or Great Peasants' Revolt was a widespread popular revolt in the German-speaking areas of Central Europe, 1524–1526. At its height in the spring and summer of 1525, the conflict involved an estimated 300,000 peasants: contemporary estimates put the dead at 100,000...
1525, Laupheim Castle was destroyed by the Baltringer Haufen
Baltringer Haufen
The Baltringer Haufen was prominent among several armed groups of peasants and craftsmen during the German Peasants' War of 1524-1525. The name derived from the small Upper Swabian village of Baltringen, which lies approximately south of Ulm in the district of Biberach, Germany...
, an army of peasants named after the nearby village of Baltringen
Baltringen
Baltringen is a once autonomous village in Baden-Württemberg in the region of Upper Swabia, situated approximately 17 km north of Biberach. Administratively, Baltringen is part of the municipality of Mietingen...
, where approximately 12.000 farmers gathered to form an army. After the suppression of the revolt, the peasants were forced to rebuild the castle.
After the agnatic
Agnatic seniority
Agnatic seniority is a patrilineal principle of inheritance where the order of succession to the throne prefers the monarch's younger brother over the monarch's own sons. A monarch's children succeed only after the males of the elder generation have all been exhausted...
line of the Ellerbach
Ellerbach
-Places:*Ellerbach, part of Taiskirchen im Innkreis, a municipality in the district of Ried im Innkreis in Upper Austria, Austria-People:*Burkhard von Ellerbach , a politician in the Prince-Bishopric of Augsburg...
dynasty
Dynasty
A dynasty is a sequence of rulers considered members of the same family. Historians traditionally consider many sovereign states' history within a framework of successive dynasties, e.g., China, Ancient Egypt and the Persian Empire...
became extinct in 1570, Laupheim passed through Hans Pankraz von Freyberg to the Herren von Welden in 1582. They turned Laupheim into their permanent residence and established the first school
School
A school is an institution designed for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is commonly compulsory. In these systems, students progress through a series of schools...
in 1584. From 1582 until 1806, Laupheim was a Lordship (Reichsritterschaft) ruled by the heir of the Welden family, whose title was "Imperial Knight
Imperial Knight
The Free Imperial Knights, or the Knights of the Empire was an organisation of free nobles of the Holy Roman Empire, whose direct overlord was the Emperor, remnants of the medieval free nobility and the ministeriales...
" (Reichsritter).
Coat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
was given to Laupheim, showing the colours of green, white and red together with three leaves on a three hills, thereby incorporating the coat-of-arms of the family of Welden with the three leaves, referring to the name of the town on the hills of the valley of the river Rottum.
The last member of the House of Ellerbach, Anna von Freyberg, founded the Hospital
Hospital
A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays....
of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of the Hebrew Bible, but understood differently in the main Abrahamic religions.While the general concept of a "Spirit" that permeates the cosmos has been used in various religions Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of...
in 1601, the building of which still exists and now functions as a retirement home
Retirement home
A retirement home is a multi-residence housing facility intended for senior citizens. Typically each person or couple in the home has an apartment-style room or suite of rooms. Additional facilities are provided within the building, including facilities for meals, gathering, recreation, and some...
.
Between 1623 and 1661, the church St. Peter and Paul was built in the vicinity of the castle.
Due to the inheritance laws of the house of Welden, the market town was divided into two different territories, Großlaupheim and Kleinlaupheim (Great Laupheim and Little Laupheim), in 1621, at the beginning of the Thirty Years' War
Thirty Years' War
The Thirty Years' War was fought primarily in what is now Germany, and at various points involved most countries in Europe. It was one of the most destructive conflicts in European history....
(1618–1648), each territory being ruled by its own dynasty. As a consequence economic growth
Economic growth
In economics, economic growth is defined as the increasing capacity of the economy to satisfy the wants of goods and services of the members of society. Economic growth is enabled by increases in productivity, which lowers the inputs for a given amount of output. Lowered costs increase demand...
slowed down.
Thirty Years' War
The Thirty Years' War was fought primarily in what is now Germany, and at various points involved most countries in Europe. It was one of the most destructive conflicts in European history....
, Laupheim repeatedly fell victim to the ravages of war
War
War is a state of organized, armed, and often prolonged conflict carried on between states, nations, or other parties typified by extreme aggression, social disruption, and usually high mortality. War should be understood as an actual, intentional and widespread armed conflict between political...
, mainly due to marauding troops, both imperial
Holy Roman Empire
The Holy Roman Empire was a realm that existed from 962 to 1806 in Central Europe.It was ruled by the Holy Roman Emperor. Its character changed during the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period, when the power of the emperor gradually weakened in favour of the princes...
, that is Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
, and Swedish
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
, their Protestant opponents. A massive outbreak
Outbreak
Outbreak is a term used in epidemiology to describe an occurrence of disease greater than would otherwise be expected at a particular time and place. It may affect a small and localized group or impact upon thousands of people across an entire continent. Two linked cases of a rare infectious...
of the bubonic plague
Bubonic plague
Plague is a deadly infectious disease that is caused by the enterobacteria Yersinia pestis, named after the French-Swiss bacteriologist Alexandre Yersin. Primarily carried by rodents and spread to humans via fleas, the disease is notorious throughout history, due to the unrivaled scale of death...
in 1635 further diminished the population. At the close of the Thirty Years' War, Laupheim had lost two thirds of its pre-war population, so that ultimately towards the end of 17th century, Laupheim had sunk to the status of an unimportant, impoverished village
Village
A village is a clustered human settlement or community, larger than a hamlet with the population ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand , Though often located in rural areas, the term urban village is also applied to certain urban neighbourhoods, such as the West Village in Manhattan, New...
. As a consequence of the Thirty Years' War, the feudal lords attempted to increase taxation and extend the amount of socage the peasants had to do for them. This led to legal conflicts between the two parties, which lasted for decades.
Economy
An economy consists of the economic system of a country or other area; the labor, capital and land resources; and the manufacturing, trade, distribution, and consumption of goods and services of that area...
and income generated by taxation, Carl Damian von Welden allowed the first Jewish families to settle in Großlaupheim in the 1720s. This which was made possible by a contract, protecting the Jews
Jews
The Jews , also known as the Jewish people, are a nation and ethnoreligious group originating in the Israelites or Hebrews of the Ancient Near East. The Jewish ethnicity, nationality, and religion are strongly interrelated, as Judaism is the traditional faith of the Jewish nation...
. The Jews were made to settle in an area of the town soon to be called Judenberg (literally Jews' mountain or Jews' hill). Subsequently, a Jewish quarter
Jewish quarter (diaspora)
In the Jewish Diaspora, a Jewish quarter is the area of a city traditionally inhabited by Jews. Jewish quarters, like the Jewish ghettos in Europe, were often the outgrowths of segregated ghettos instituted by the surrounding Christian authorities. A Yiddish term for a Jewish quarter or...
evolved, with a cemetery
Cemetery
A cemetery is a place in which dead bodies and cremated remains are buried. The term "cemetery" implies that the land is specifically designated as a burying ground. Cemeteries in the Western world are where the final ceremonies of death are observed...
, synagogue
Synagogue
A synagogue is a Jewish house of prayer. This use of the Greek term synagogue originates in the Septuagint where it sometimes translates the Hebrew word for assembly, kahal...
, school and a Rabbi
Rabbi
In Judaism, a rabbi is a teacher of Torah. This title derives from the Hebrew word רבי , meaning "My Master" , which is the way a student would address a master of Torah...
's office.
During the 18th century, the Welden dynasty had the old castle, Großlaupheim Castle, restored, and subsequently renewed in Baroque
Baroque
The Baroque is a period and the style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, literature, dance, and music...
-style in 1752. Between 1766 and 1769, the branch of the Welden dynasty that ruled Kleinlaupheim had their residence renewed in Baroque
Baroque
The Baroque is a period and the style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, literature, dance, and music...
-style by architect Johann Georg Specht
Johann Georg Specht
Johann Georg Specht was born in Lindenberg im Allgäu. He was a civil engineer and architect in the south of Germany.Johann Georg Specht trained as a civil engineer with Peter Thumb in Vorarlberg....
. This castle is now called Schloss Kleinlaupheim (Kleinlaupheim Castle). This makes Laupheim unique in that it has two castles within its city boundaries, as a result of once having been two independent states.
Granary
A granary is a storehouse for threshed grain or animal feed. In ancient or primitive granaries, pottery is the most common use of storage in these buildings. Granaries are often built above the ground to keep the stored food away from mice and other animals.-Early origins:From ancient times grain...
were built in the Upper Market Square.
Following the Reichsdeputationshauptschluss, the mediatisation and secularisation of numerous secular and ecclesiastical principalities within the former Holy Roman Empire
Holy Roman Empire
The Holy Roman Empire was a realm that existed from 962 to 1806 in Central Europe.It was ruled by the Holy Roman Emperor. Its character changed during the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period, when the power of the emperor gradually weakened in favour of the princes...
, both parts of Laupheim were annexed by the newly formed Kingdom of Württemberg
Kingdom of Württemberg
The Kingdom of Württemberg was a state that existed from 1806 to 1918, located in present-day Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It was a continuation of the Duchy of Württemberg, which came into existence in 1495...
in 1806. It was administratively part of the district of Wiblingen until 1845 when the administration was moved to Laupheim, creating the district of Laupheim, ultimately disbanded in 1938 when Laupheim became part of the district of Biberach.
Due to laws based on the ideas of the enlightenment
Age of Enlightenment
The Age of Enlightenment was an elite cultural movement of intellectuals in 18th century Europe that sought to mobilize the power of reason in order to reform society and advance knowledge. It promoted intellectual interchange and opposed intolerance and abuses in church and state...
, servitude in the Kingdom of Württemberg was abolished in 1836. During the same period, laws forcing Jews to live in separate quarters and excluding them from most business activities were revoked. This enabled them to contribute enormously to the economic upturn Laupheim was experiencing, even though complete civil rights were not granted until 1864.
In 1848, with the arrival of civil servants from the original Duchy
Duchy
A duchy is a territory, fief, or domain ruled by a duke or duchess.Some duchies were sovereign in areas that would become unified realms only during the Modern era . In contrast, others were subordinate districts of those kingdoms that unified either partially or completely during the Medieval era...
of Württemberg (Altwürttemberg), a Protestant parish was founded.
In 1850, a train station
Train station
A train station, also called a railroad station or railway station and often shortened to just station,"Station" is commonly understood to mean "train station" unless otherwise qualified. This is evident from dictionary entries e.g...
opened two kilometers west of Laupheim, on the route of the main railway artery Ulm
Ulm
Ulm is a city in the federal German state of Baden-Württemberg, situated on the River Danube. The city, whose population is estimated at 120,000 , forms an urban district of its own and is the administrative seat of the Alb-Donau district. Ulm, founded around 850, is rich in history and...
-Friedrichshafen
Friedrichshafen
This article is about a German town. For the Danish town, see Frederikshavn, and for the Finnish town, see Fredrikshamn .Friedrichshafen is a university city on the northern side of Lake Constance in Southern Germany, near the borders with Switzerland and Austria.It is the district capital of the...
, that passes Laupheim to the West, the station therefore being named as Laupheim-West.
In 1869, Laupheim was granted a city charter by King Karl I. of Württemberg. In the same year, the first institute of further education, a Lateinschule
Lateinschule
Latin school was the grammar school of 14th to 16th century Europe, though the latter term was much more common in England. Emphasis was placed, as the name indicates, on learning to use Latin. The education given at Latin schools gave great emphasis to the complicated grammar of the Latin...
, was established in Laupheim. In 1871, Laupheim, being part of the Kingdom of Württemberg, was incorporated into the German Empire
German Empire
The German Empire refers to Germany during the "Second Reich" period from the unification of Germany and proclamation of Wilhelm I as German Emperor on 18 January 1871, to 1918, when it became a federal republic after defeat in World War I and the abdication of the Emperor, Wilhelm II.The German...
.
Gründerzeit
' refers to the economic phase in 19th century Germany and Austria before the great stock market crash of 1873. At this time in Central Europe the age of industrialisation was taking place, whose beginnings were found in the 1840s...
, the period between 1871 and 1914, Laupheim had the highest density of public houses in the whole Kingdom of Württemberg.
In 1904, the city was connected to the railway line Ulm-Friedrichshafen by an extra route, linking the railway artery with the city itself. At the same time a train station was built in the city. This extension of the railway line went on for a further 16 km, terminating at the village of Schwendi
Schwendi
Schwendi is a municipality in the district Biberach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, located near Laupheim. The mayor is Mr. Karremann....
.
Before World War I, Laupheim had one of the largest Jewish communities in Württemberg. However, the appointment of Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born German politician and the leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party , commonly referred to as the Nazi Party). He was Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945, and head of state from 1934 to 1945...
as Chancellor of Germany in 1933 and the systematic deprivation and subsequent suppression of Jews
Jews
The Jews , also known as the Jewish people, are a nation and ethnoreligious group originating in the Israelites or Hebrews of the Ancient Near East. The Jewish ethnicity, nationality, and religion are strongly interrelated, as Judaism is the traditional faith of the Jewish nation...
in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, also had their effects on Laupheim, culminating in the destruction by fire of the synagogue
Synagogue
A synagogue is a Jewish house of prayer. This use of the Greek term synagogue originates in the Septuagint where it sometimes translates the Hebrew word for assembly, kahal...
during the so-called Kristallnacht
Kristallnacht
Kristallnacht, also referred to as the Night of Broken Glass, and also Reichskristallnacht, Pogromnacht, and Novemberpogrome, was a pogrom or series of attacks against Jews throughout Nazi Germany and parts of Austria on 9–10 November 1938.Jewish homes were ransacked, as were shops, towns and...
1938.
Due to the programme of aryanization
Aryanization
Aryanization is a term coined during Nazism referring to the forced expulsion of so-called "non-Aryans", mainly Jews, from business life in Nazi Germany and the territories it controlled....
, many businesses in Laupheim originally owned by Jews
Jews
The Jews , also known as the Jewish people, are a nation and ethnoreligious group originating in the Israelites or Hebrews of the Ancient Near East. The Jewish ethnicity, nationality, and religion are strongly interrelated, as Judaism is the traditional faith of the Jewish nation...
, were expropriated and transferred into German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
ownership.
Kristallnacht
Kristallnacht, also referred to as the Night of Broken Glass, and also Reichskristallnacht, Pogromnacht, and Novemberpogrome, was a pogrom or series of attacks against Jews throughout Nazi Germany and parts of Austria on 9–10 November 1938.Jewish homes were ransacked, as were shops, towns and...
. In 1939, the remaining Jews in Laupheim were resettled within the city, only to be deported to concentration
Nazi concentration camps
Nazi Germany maintained concentration camps throughout the territories it controlled. The first Nazi concentration camps set up in Germany were greatly expanded after the Reichstag fire of 1933, and were intended to hold political prisoners and opponents of the regime...
and extermination camps
Extermination camps in the Holocaust
Extermination camps were camps built by Nazi Germany during the Second World War to systematically kill millions by gassing and extreme work under starvation conditions. While there were victims from many groups, Jews were the main targets. This genocide of the Jewish people was the Third...
in 1941 and 1942. After the last of four transports, the Jewish community in Laupheim ceased to exist on 19 August 1942.
Sixty-two Jewish citizens of Laupheim perished in the Shoah
The Holocaust
The Holocaust , also known as the Shoah , was the genocide of approximately six million European Jews and millions of others during World War II, a programme of systematic state-sponsored murder by Nazi...
, only two survived.
After World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, in the 1960s, Laupheim began the to renew and modernize its appearance. New schools were built: a grammar school
Gymnasium (school)
A gymnasium is a type of school providing secondary education in some parts of Europe, comparable to English grammar schools or sixth form colleges and U.S. college preparatory high schools. The word γυμνάσιον was used in Ancient Greece, meaning a locality for both physical and intellectual...
, a realschule
Realschule
The Realschule is a type of secondary school in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. It has also existed in Croatia , Denmark , Sweden , Hungary and in the Russian Empire .-History:The Realschule was an outgrowth of the rationalism and empiricism of the seventeenth and...
and a new town hall. From the 1980s onwards, these projects were followed by a new district hospital, a public in-doors swimming pool
Swimming pool
A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, or simply a pool, is a container filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation. There are many standard sizes; the largest is the Olympic-size swimming pool...
, a renovated stadium
Stadium
A modern stadium is a place or venue for outdoor sports, concerts, or other events and consists of a field or stage either partly or completely surrounded by a structure designed to allow spectators to stand or sit and view the event.)Pausanias noted that for about half a century the only event...
, named after Gretel Bergmann
Gretel Bergmann
Gretel Bergmann, also known as Margaret Bergmann-Lambert is a German-born athlete who competed as a high jumper during the 1930s.-Biography:Bergmann was born in Laupheim, Germany, where she later began her career in athletics...
who was born in Laupheim, and an omnibus interchange.
Additionally, several industrial estates on the outskirts of the city were established in order to attract trade and industry. As a consequence, companies from outside Laupheim established offices and production facilities there, as well as companies that formerly had been operating from the city centre.
Population
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1500 | 950 |
| 1600 | 1240 |
| 1700 | 1660 |
| 1806 | 2369 |
| 1820 | 2687 |
| 1832 | 2934 |
| 1840 | 3251 |
| 1844 | 3457 |
| 1854 | 3712 |
| 1871 | 6302 |
| 1900 | 7319 |
| 1925 | 8467 |
| 1933 | 8572 |
| 1939 | 8402 |
| 1950 | 10337 |
| 1961 | 11997 |
| 1971 | 14582 |
| 1981 | 15095 |
| 1991 | 16831 |
| 2001 | 18626 |
| 2008 | 19576 |
| 2009 | 19668 |
| 2010 | 19796 |
Having developed from a rural market town into a city, predominated by industry, trade and the service industries, the demographics of Laupheim have changed as well.
After growing continuously from 1871 until 1933, from the Gründerzeit
Gründerzeit
' refers to the economic phase in 19th century Germany and Austria before the great stock market crash of 1873. At this time in Central Europe the age of industrialisation was taking place, whose beginnings were found in the 1840s...
until the Nazis came to power, this development came to a halt. The stagnation and eventual decrease in population was due to increasing persecution of the Jews, as a result of which many Jewish inhabitants left Laupheim or, after 1940, were deported and subsequently murdered.
Since 1945, the population of Laupheim has almost doubled. This is due to the fact that a great number of refugees from formerly German territories
Historical Eastern Germany
The former eastern territories of Germany are those provinces or regions east of the current eastern border of Germany which were lost by Germany during and after the two world wars. These territories include the Province of Posen and East Prussia, Farther Pomerania, East Brandenburg and Lower...
east of the Oder-Neisse line
Oder-Neisse line
The Oder–Neisse line is the border between Germany and Poland which was drawn in the aftermath of World War II. The line is formed primarily by the Oder and Lusatian Neisse rivers, and meets the Baltic Sea west of the seaport cities of Szczecin and Świnoujście...
were settled in Laupheim.
The establishment of a German Army Aviation Corps airbase in 1964 further contributed to the growth in population.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
in 1991, an influx of ethnic German
Ethnic German
Ethnic Germans historically also ), also collectively referred to as the German diaspora, refers to people who are of German ethnicity. Many are not born in Europe or in the modern-day state of Germany or hold German citizenship...
s from the Commonwealth of Independent States
Commonwealth of Independent States
The Commonwealth of Independent States is a regional organization whose participating countries are former Soviet Republics, formed during the breakup of the Soviet Union....
added to the population growth.
The number of non-German inhabitants of Laupheim totals 1690 (8,6 % of the total population).
Mayors since 1838
| Years | Name |
|---|---|
| 1838–1850 | Johann Gottfried Brigel |
| 1850–1872 | Franz Seraph Müller |
| 1872–1880 | Konrad Hepperle |
| 1880–1882 | Heinrich Hepperle |
| 1883–1924 | Johannes Schick |
| 1924–1934 | Franz Konrad |
| 1934–1945 | Ludwig Marxer |
| 1945–1946 | Adolf Sheffold |
| 1946 | Josef Hyneck |
| 1946–1949 | Karl Wiest |
| 1949–1963 | Alfons Hagel |
| 1963–1966 | vacant |
| 1966–2002 | Otmar Schick |
| 2002–2010 | Monika Sitter |
| 2010- | Rainer Kapellen |
City council
The city council consists of 27 members.During the local election
Local election
Local elections vary widely across jurisdictions. In electoral systems that roughly follow the Westminster model, a terminology has evolved with roles such as Mayor or Warden to describe the executive of a city, town or region, although the actual means of elections vary...
s on 7 June 2009, all seats on the city council were contested. The elections gave the following result:
| Party | Percentage | Gains/Losses | Seats | Gains/Losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDU Christian Democratic Union (Germany) The Christian Democratic Union of Germany is a Christian democratic and conservative political party in Germany. It is regarded as on the centre-right of the German political spectrum... |
34,7 | - 2,5 | 10 | - 2 |
| FW | 36,5 | - 3,8 | 10 | - 2 |
| SPD Social Democratic Party of Germany The Social Democratic Party of Germany is a social-democratic political party in Germany... |
14,6 | - 1,8 | 4 | - 1 |
| Open List | 11,7 | + 8,0 | 3 | + 2 |
| FDP Free Democratic Party (Germany) The Free Democratic Party , abbreviated to FDP, is a centre-right classical liberal political party in Germany. It is led by Philipp Rösler and currently serves as the junior coalition partner to the Union in the German federal government... |
2,4 | ± 0,0 | 0 | 0 |
The next local elections are due to be held in 2014.
Members of state and federal parliaments
Laupheim is part of the constituency of Biberach for elections to the LandtagLandtag of Baden-Württemberg
The Landtag of Baden-Württemberg is the state diet of the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg. It convenes in Stuttgart and currently consists of 139 members of four Parties...
of Baden-Württemberg
Baden-Württemberg
Baden-Württemberg is one of the 16 states of Germany. Baden-Württemberg is in the southwestern part of the country to the east of the Upper Rhine, and is the third largest in both area and population of Germany's sixteen states, with an area of and 10.7 million inhabitants...
as well as the Bundestag
Bundestag
The Bundestag is a federal legislative body in Germany. In practice Germany is governed by a bicameral legislature, of which the Bundestag serves as the lower house and the Bundesrat the upper house. The Bundestag is established by the German Basic Law of 1949, as the successor to the earlier...
.
The following politicians were/are from Laupheim:
- Franz Pfender, (5 August 1899 – 9 July 1972), CDUChristian Democratic Union (Germany)The Christian Democratic Union of Germany is a Christian democratic and conservative political party in Germany. It is regarded as on the centre-right of the German political spectrum...
, member of the Bundestag 1949-1953. - Franz Romer, (born 2 February 1942), CDU, member of the Bundestag 1990-1994, 1996-2009.
International links
Laupheim is formally twinned with: FeyzinFeyzin
Feyzin is a commune in the Rhône department in eastern France.Feyzin takes part of Grand Lyon.The refinery near Feyzin was the location of an explosion and fire on January 4, 1966 which resulted in the deaths of 18 people and the injury of 81.-Transports:...
Neustadt an der Orla
Neustadt an der Orla
Neustadt an der Orla is a town in Saale-Orla-Kreis district, in Thuringia. It is situated at the small river Orla, 17 km north of Schleiz, and 25 km southeast of Jena.-Setting:...
, Thuringia
Thuringia
The Free State of Thuringia is a state of Germany, located in the central part of the country.It has an area of and 2.29 million inhabitants, making it the sixth smallest by area and the fifth smallest by population of Germany's sixteen states....
(former GDR)
Traffic
- Road: the western borders of the city itself are marked by the Bundesstraße 30Bundesstraße 30The Bundesstraße 30 is a highly frequented federal highway in Germany running through Upper Swabia in Baden-Württemberg from Ulm to Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance...
. Laupheim is connected by three junctions to this federal road. Plans exist to upgrade this federal road to autobahn status, turning it into the A89A89 autorouteThe A89 autoroute is a motorway in central France. It is known as the La Transeuropéenne. It will connect Lyon with Bordeaux.-Completed Sections:* Antenne de Balbigny* Combronde-Saint-Julien-Puy-Lavèze-Ussel-Tulle-Saint-Germain-les-Vergnes...
.
- Railway: the railway line Ulm - Friedrichshafen passes Laupheim about 2 km from the built-up area. There is a train station, Laupheim-West on this line. From this train station another line branches off into Laupheim, terminating at the city train station. This line is part of a longer connection, originally leading to Schwendi. However, during the 1970s and 1980s, the whole extension was gradually closed down to be replaced by buses. Only the section leading from the city train station to Laupheim-West was later renovated to be re-opened again in 1999. There is a direct connection to Ulm whereas passengers travelling south to Biberach an der RißBiberach an der RißBiberach is a town in the south of Germany. It is the capital of Biberach district, in the Upper Swabia region of the German state of Baden-Württemberg...
still have to change at Laupheim-West station. Plans exist, however, to establish direct trains from Laupheim to Biberach an der Riß in the future.
- Bus: Laupheim, being part of the regional Danube-Iller Traffic Network, is at the centre of a network of local and regional buslines leading into all directions, serving the surrounding villages.
Industry
The following companies, some of them operating internationally, are based in Laupheim:- Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG : manufacturer of machines for packaging of pharmaceutical products.
- Rentschler Holding GmbH: pharmaceutical products.
- Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AGKässbohrerKässbohrer Fahrzeugwerke was a German vehicle manufacturer in Ulm. Its products were buses, coaches, vehicle transporters, trailers and special vehicles like snow groomer vehicles....
: snow grooming vehicles. - Diehl AerospaceDiehl AerospaceDiehl Aerospace GmbH is a Joint venture between Diehl BGT Defence and Thales Group operating in the field of Avionics. The headquarters of the company are in Überlingen, Germany....
: manufacturer of interior aircraftAircraftAn aircraft is a vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air, or, in general, the atmosphere of a planet. An aircraft counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or in a few cases the downward thrust from jet engines.Although...
components. - Kronenbrauerei Laupheim: breweryBreweryA brewery is a dedicated building for the making of beer, though beer can be made at home, and has been for much of beer's history. A company which makes beer is called either a brewery or a brewing company....
(since 1753) - Hamann Motorsport GmbHHamann MotorsportHamann Motorsport GmbH is a German car tuning company based in Laupheim. It specialises in Audi, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Mini, Ferrari, Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Mercedes, Rolls Royce, SLR, Porsche and Lamborghini cars...
: car tuningCar tuningCar tuning is both an industry and a hobby, in which an automobile is modified in order to improve its performance, handling and appearance. As most vehicles leave the factory set up for average driver expectations and average conditions, tuning has become a way to personalize the characteristics...
and aerodynamic body kits. - JERMI Käsewerk GmbH & Co. KG.: cheeseCheeseCheese is a generic term for a diverse group of milk-based food products. Cheese is produced throughout the world in wide-ranging flavors, textures, and forms....
products. - Lindenmaier Präzision AG and Lindenmaier Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG: manufacturers of metal parts and mechanical engineeringMechanical engineeringMechanical engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the...
. - Kekeisen GmbH & Co.KG: mechanical engineering and toolmaking.
- Colep Laupheim GmbH & Co.KG: manufacturer of aerosol sprayAerosol sprayAerosol spray is a type of dispensing system which creates an aerosol mist of liquid particles. This is used with a can or bottle that contains a liquid under pressure. When the container's valve is opened, the liquid is forced out of a small hole and emerges as an aerosol or mist...
s. - Bergmann GmbH & Co. KG: wigs and other hairHairHair is a filamentous biomaterial, that grows from follicles found in the dermis. Found exclusively in mammals, hair is one of the defining characteristics of the mammalian class....
products.
Education
The following educational establishments exist in Laupheim and its subordinate villages:- Primary schools
- Anna-von-Freyberg-Grundschule (Grundschule: primary school)
- Grundschule Bronner Berg (Grundschule: primary school)
- Grundschule in Bihlafingen (Grundschule: primary school)
- Grundschule in Untersulmetingen (Grundschule: primary school)
- Primary and secondary schools
- Ivo-Schaible-Grund- und Hauptschule in Baustetten (Grundschule: primary school, HauptschuleHauptschuleA Hauptschule is a secondary school in Germany and Austria, starting after 4 years of elementary schooling, which offers Lower Secondary Education according to the International Standard Classification of Education...
: secondary school for general studies) - Bischof-Ulrich Grund-, Haupt- und Werkrealschule in Obersulmetingen (Grundschule: primary school, Hauptschule: secondary school for general studies, WerkrealschuleEducation in GermanyThe responsibility for the German education system lies primarily with the states while the federal government plays only a minor role. Optional Kindergarten education is provided for all children between three and six years of age, after which school attendance is compulsory, in most cases for...
: offering additional year to obtain O-levelsGeneral Certificate of EducationThe General Certificate of Education or GCE is an academic qualification that examination boards in the United Kingdom and a few of the Commonwealth countries, notably Sri Lanka, confer to students. The GCE traditionally comprised two levels: the Ordinary Level and the Advanced Level...
)
- Ivo-Schaible-Grund- und Hauptschule in Baustetten (Grundschule: primary school, Hauptschule
- Secondary schools
- Friedrich-Uhlmann-Schule (Hauptschule: secondary school for general studies)
- Friedrich-Adler-Realschule (RealschuleRealschuleThe Realschule is a type of secondary school in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. It has also existed in Croatia , Denmark , Sweden , Hungary and in the Russian Empire .-History:The Realschule was an outgrowth of the rationalism and empiricism of the seventeenth and...
: secondary school leading up to O-levelsGeneral Certificate of EducationThe General Certificate of Education or GCE is an academic qualification that examination boards in the United Kingdom and a few of the Commonwealth countries, notably Sri Lanka, confer to students. The GCE traditionally comprised two levels: the Ordinary Level and the Advanced Level...
) - Carl-Laemmle-Gymnasium (GymnasiumGymnasium (school)A gymnasium is a type of school providing secondary education in some parts of Europe, comparable to English grammar schools or sixth form colleges and U.S. college preparatory high schools. The word γυμνάσιον was used in Ancient Greece, meaning a locality for both physical and intellectual...
: secondary school leading up to A-levelsGeneral Certificate of EducationThe General Certificate of Education or GCE is an academic qualification that examination boards in the United Kingdom and a few of the Commonwealth countries, notably Sri Lanka, confer to students. The GCE traditionally comprised two levels: the Ordinary Level and the Advanced Level...
)
- Vocational training school
- Kilian-von-Steiner-Schule (BerufsschuleEducation in GermanyThe responsibility for the German education system lies primarily with the states while the federal government plays only a minor role. Optional Kindergarten education is provided for all children between three and six years of age, after which school attendance is compulsory, in most cases for...
: vocational trainingVocational educationVocational education or vocational education and training is an education that prepares trainees for jobs that are based on manual or practical activities, traditionally non-academic, and totally related to a specific trade, occupation, or vocation...
school)
- Kilian-von-Steiner-Schule (Berufsschule
- Other
- Wieland-Förderschule (FörderschuleEducation in GermanyThe responsibility for the German education system lies primarily with the states while the federal government plays only a minor role. Optional Kindergarten education is provided for all children between three and six years of age, after which school attendance is compulsory, in most cases for...
: school for children with special needs) - Staatlichen Seminars für Didaktik und Lehrerbildung Laupheim (teacher-training college)
- Wieland-Förderschule (Förderschule
Legal
Laupheim has a magistrates' courtMagistrates' Court
A magistrates' court or court of petty sessions, formerly known as a police court, is the lowest level of court in England and Wales and many other common law jurisdictions...
which is a branch of the district court
District court
District courts are a category of courts which exists in several nations. These include:-Australia:District Court is the name given to the intermediate court in most Australian States. They hear indictable criminal offences excluding treason, murder and, in some States, manslaughter...
of Biberach.
Media
- Schwäbische Zeitung (Swabian Newspaper) contains a local supplement for Laupheim and its surroundings.
- Wochenblatt (Weekly Paper), free weekly newspaper.
Military
Laupheim is home to Medium Transport Regiment 25 "Oberschwaben" (Upper Swabia) and Support Squadron
Squadron (aviation)
A squadron in air force, army aviation or naval aviation is mainly a unit comprising a number of military aircraft, usually of the same type, typically with 12 to 24 aircraft, sometimes divided into three or four flights, depending on aircraft type and air force...
10 of the German Army Aviation Corps (Heeresflieger). The German Army Aviaton Corps base was established in 1964 utilizing already existing facilities.
German Army Aviation Corps Medium Transport Regiment 25 Oberschwaben is equipped with transport helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
CH-53
CH-53 Sea Stallion
The CH-53 Sea Stallion is the most common name for the Sikorsky S-65 family of heavy-lift transport helicopters. Originally developed for use by the United States Marine Corps, it is also in service with Germany, Iran, Israel, and Mexico...
. German Army Aviation Corps Support Squadron 10 is equipped with helicopters of the type Bo-105
Bölkow Bo 105
The MBB Bo 105 is a light, twin-engine, multi-purpose utility helicopter developed by Bölkow of Stuttgart, Germany. Production began under Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm , which became a part of Eurocopter in 1991...
.
Until the beginning of the 1990s the regiment had only seen service in other NATO countries, mainly while on manoeuvre or on aid-missions after natural disasters. Since then, however, it has been sent abroad on various aid-missions and so far has seen service abroad on peace-keeping
Peacekeeping
Peacekeeping is an activity that aims to create the conditions for lasting peace. It is distinguished from both peacebuilding and peacemaking....
missions with the UN and NATO, first in Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
after the 1st Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
, then on the Balkans
Balkans
The Balkans is a geopolitical and cultural region of southeastern Europe...
with IFOR
IFOR
The Implementation Force was a NATO-led multinational peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Herzegovina under a one-year mandate from 20 December 1995 to 20 December 1996 under the codename Operation Joint Endeavour. Its task was to implement the military Annexes of The General Framework Agreement for...
, KFOR, SFOR
SFOR
The Stabilisation Force was a NATO-led multinational peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Herzegovina which was tasked with upholding the Dayton Agreement. It replaced the previous force IFOR...
and EUFOR, in Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
as part of ISAF
International Security Assistance Force
The International Security Assistance Force is a NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan established by the United Nations Security Council on 20 December 2001 by Resolution 1386 as envisaged by the Bonn Agreement...
, and most in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a state located in Central Africa. It is the second largest country in Africa by area and the eleventh largest in the world...
as part of EUFOR RD Congo
EUFOR RD Congo
EUFOR RD Congo was a short European Union deployment in 2006 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On 25 April 2006, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1671 , authorising the temporary deployment of a European Union force to support the United Nations Mission in the...
to support the UN mission MONUC
United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or MONUSCO , is a United Nations peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which was established by the United Nations Security Council in resolutions 1279...
to monitor the general elections in 2006. This mission began in June 2006 and ended with the last soldiers returning in December of the same year.
With a workforce
Workforce
The workforce is the labour pool in employment. It is generally used to describe those working for a single company or industry, but can also apply to a geographic region like a city, country, state, etc. The term generally excludes the employers or management, and implies those involved in...
of about 1800, the base is the largest, single employer in Laupheim.
Großlaupheim Castle
The existence of a castle in Laupheim was documented for the first time around the year 1100. There is no evidence that the castle originally consisted of more than a wooden structure. This castle existed until the Peasants' War in 1525, when rebellious peasants destroyed it. After end of hostilities, the peasants were forced to rebuilt the castle in stone. The structure as it stands today was erected in three different phases:
- The so-called Feudal Castle (Lehenschloss), the oldest part, dates from the middle of the 16th century. It consists of a three storey, square edifice with two flanking round towers.
- Adjoining it, the so-called New Castle (Neues Schloss) (built between 1660 and 1680 with an early BaroqueBaroqueThe Baroque is a period and the style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, literature, dance, and music...
square flanked by arcadesArcade (architecture)An arcade is a succession of arches, each counterthrusting the next, supported by columns or piers or a covered walk enclosed by a line of such arches on one or both sides. In warmer or wet climates, exterior arcades provide shelter for pedestrians....
and a gateway.
- Somewhat removed but still part of the complex, the so-called Little Castle (Kleines Schlössle) was built in the middle of the 17th century. It was used by the Freiherren von Welden as dwelling place for the widows of former rulers of Laupheim. On a terrace below the castle buildings, a small rose garden was designed in Baroque-style.
Museum of the History of Christians and Jews
The MuseumMuseum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
of the History of Christians and Jews is situated in Großlaupheim Castle. It is unique in Germany, in that its collection concentrates on the documentation of the relationship between Christians and Jews on a local level, using Laupheim, which once had the largest Jewish community in the Kingdom of Württemberg, as an example. The exhibition documents in chronological order all aspects of more than 200 years of Jewish life in Laupheim.
Castle Park
Landscape garden
The term landscape garden is often used to describe the English garden design style characteristic of the eighteenth century, that swept the Continent replacing the formal Renaissance garden and Garden à la française models. The work of Lancelot 'Capability' Brown is particularly influential.The...
by Kilian von Steiner
Kilian von Steiner
Kilian von Steiner was a German banker and industrialist.Born in Laupheim as the eighth child of Jewish merchant Viktor Steiner and his wife Sophie, Kilian Steiner spent his youth in the small Upper Swabian town...
. A huge number of trees, meadows and lakes created an impressive appearance. Originally, it was well known for its exotic trees and plants. Formerly, there were five lakes, which, during winter, provided a brewery
Brewery
A brewery is a dedicated building for the making of beer, though beer can be made at home, and has been for much of beer's history. A company which makes beer is called either a brewery or a brewing company....
with ice. During summer, the lakes were used for raising trout
Trout
Trout is the name for a number of species of freshwater and saltwater fish belonging to the Salmoninae subfamily of the family Salmonidae. Salmon belong to the same family as trout. Most salmon species spend almost all their lives in salt water...
. However, the maintenance of the ground and the lakes was neglected during the last couple of decades due to a lack of council funding. In recent years efforts have been made to restore the park, at least in parts, to its former glory.
Kleinlaupheim Castle
In its present state it was built between 1766 and 1769 as a place of residence for the ruler of Kleinlaupheim at the time, the Freiherr
Freiherr
The German titles Freiherr and Freifrau and Freiin are titles of nobility, used preceding a person's given name or, after 1919, before the surname...
Joseph Ignaz von Welden-Kleinlaupheim (1721–1802). It was designed by Johann Georg Specht
Johann Georg Specht
Johann Georg Specht was born in Lindenberg im Allgäu. He was a civil engineer and architect in the south of Germany.Johann Georg Specht trained as a civil engineer with Peter Thumb in Vorarlberg....
of Lindenberg
Lindenberg im Allgäu
Lindenberg im Allgäu is the second largest town of the district of Lindau in Bavaria, Germany. It is an acknowledged air health resort.-History:The town was first mentioned in 857, when two nobles donated estates in "Lintiberc" to the monastery of St...
in Baroque-style. It consists of a three storey building with a curved mansard roof. Pilasters, cornices and gables
Gables
Gables may refer to:* Gables, portion of walls between the lines of sloping roofs* Ken Gables , Major League Baseball pitcher* Gables, Nebraska, an unincorporated community in the United States...
enliven the facade
Facade
A facade or façade is generally one exterior side of a building, usually, but not always, the front. The word comes from the French language, literally meaning "frontage" or "face"....
of the building. Inside there is a remarkable grand staircase in the vestibule
Vestibule (architecture)
A vestibule is a lobby, entrance hall, or passage between the entrance and the interior of a building.The same term can apply to structures in modern or ancient roman architecture. In modern architecture vestibule typically refers to a small room or hall between an entrance and the interior of...
.
It now houses the local police station
Police station
A police station or station house is a building which serves to accommodate police officers and other members of staff. These buildings often contain offices and accommodation for personnel and vehicles, along with locker rooms, temporary holding cells and interview/interrogation rooms.- Facilities...
and also an art gallery
Art gallery
An art gallery or art museum is a building or space for the exhibition of art, usually visual art.Museums can be public or private, but what distinguishes a museum is the ownership of a collection...
, Die Wache Gallerie, a pun on words in that Wache can mean police station
Police station
A police station or station house is a building which serves to accommodate police officers and other members of staff. These buildings often contain offices and accommodation for personnel and vehicles, along with locker rooms, temporary holding cells and interview/interrogation rooms.- Facilities...
as well as alert or awake.
Parish Church St Peter and Paul
The Parish Church St Peter and Paul, built between 1623 and 1661, lies in close proximity to Großlaupheim Castle. It was designed by Martino I. Barbieri from RoveredoRoveredo
Roveredo is a municipality in the district of Moësa in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland.-Geography:Roveredo has an area, , of . Of this area, 8.6% is used for agricultural purposes, while 75% is forested...
in Baroque-style, showing influences of manierism. The interior of the church is decorated with sculptures by Dominikus Hermenegild Herberger and paintings by Johann Georg Bergmüller
Johann Georg Bergmüller
Johann Georg Bergmüller was an important painter, particularly of frescoes, of the Baroque.- Life :Bergmüller was born in Türkheim near Buchloe and received his first artistic education at his father's cabinet making workshop. From 1702 until 1708 he was apprentice to court painter Johann Andreas...
.
Planetarium and Public Observatory
The PlanetariumPlanetarium
A planetarium is a theatre built primarily for presenting educational and entertaining shows about astronomy and the night sky, or for training in celestial navigation...
and Public Observatory
Observatory
An observatory is a location used for observing terrestrial or celestial events. Astronomy, climatology/meteorology, geology, oceanography and volcanology are examples of disciplines for which observatories have been constructed...
of Laupheim counts about 40000 visitors each year. It is run on a mostly voluntary basis by the club Volkssternwarte Laupheim e.V. (founded 1975), providing high quality astronomical
Astronomy
Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth...
education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
. The work of the club has been recognized by astronomer Carolyn Shoemaker, who named the planetoid 7167 Laupheim
7167 Laupheim
7167 Laupheim is an asteroid in the Main belt orbiting the Sun. It was discovered in 1985 at the Palomar Observatory by Carolyn S. Shoemaker and Eugene Shoemaker....
in honour of the institution.
The Laupheimer Kinder- und Heimatfest
The annual historical festivalFestival
A festival or gala is an event, usually and ordinarily staged by a local community, which centers on and celebrates some unique aspect of that community and the Festival....
, the Kinder- und Heimatfest, takes place at the last weekend of June. It consists of historical processions and parades, performed by different groups, incorporating performances in historical costumes, concert band
Concert band
A concert band, also called wind band, symphonic band, symphonic winds, wind orchestra, wind symphony, wind ensemble, or symphonic wind ensemble, is a performing ensemble consisting of several members of the woodwind instrument family, brass instrument family, and percussion instrument family.A...
s and floats
Float (parade)
A float is a decorated platform, either built on a vehicle or towed behind one, which is a component of many festive parades, such as those of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Carnival of Viareggio, the Maltese Carnival, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Key West Fantasy Fest parade, the...
, referring to contemporary and historical events. There is also a funfair
Funfair
A funfair or simply "fair" is a small to medium sized travelling show primarily composed of stalls and other amusements. Larger fairs such as the permanent fairs of cities and seaside resorts might be called a fairground, although technically this should refer to the land where a fair is...
, accompanied by several beer tents, as well as much revelling in the bars
Bar (establishment)
A bar is a business establishment that serves alcoholic drinks — beer, wine, liquor, and cocktails — for consumption on the premises.Bars provide stools or chairs that are placed at tables or counters for their patrons. Some bars have entertainment on a stage, such as a live band, comedians, go-go...
, cafes
Coffeehouse
A coffeehouse or coffee shop is an establishment which primarily serves prepared coffee or other hot beverages. It shares some of the characteristics of a bar, and some of the characteristics of a restaurant, but it is different from a cafeteria. As the name suggests, coffeehouses focus on...
and pubs of the city
City
A city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...
.
Brunnenfest
On the last Sunday of the summer holidays, the traditional Brunnenfest (fountain party) takes place in the city centre. A huge street partyStreet party
A street party can mean any type of social event taking place on a road.In Britain, these have historically been held to commemorate momentous events, such as VE Day or the Queen's Silver Jubilee, with "bunting, trestle tables covered with sandwiches and cakes, and children playing in the street"...
, it is concentrated on the Upper and Lower Market Square. The name of the event derives from the Neptune
Poseidon
Poseidon was the god of the sea, and, as "Earth-Shaker," of the earthquakes in Greek mythology. The name of the sea-god Nethuns in Etruscan was adopted in Latin for Neptune in Roman mythology: both were sea gods analogous to Poseidon...
-fountain, situated in the Upper Market Square. A great number of stalls serves Swabia
Swabia
Swabia is a cultural, historic and linguistic region in southwestern Germany.-Geography:Like many cultural regions of Europe, Swabia's borders are not clearly defined...
n and international cuisine
Cuisine
Cuisine is a characteristic style of cooking practices and traditions, often associated with a specific culture. Cuisines are often named after the geographic areas or regions that they originate from...
as well as a large variety of beverages. The stalls are organised and manned by local clubs. Concert band
Concert band
A concert band, also called wind band, symphonic band, symphonic winds, wind orchestra, wind symphony, wind ensemble, or symphonic wind ensemble, is a performing ensemble consisting of several members of the woodwind instrument family, brass instrument family, and percussion instrument family.A...
s, Jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
bands and Volksmusik
Volksmusik
Volksmusik is the common umbrella designation of a number of related styles of traditional music from the Alpine regions of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and South Tyrol...
bands entertain visitors. On a stage dance and sport performances are shown. Additionally, a flea market
Flea market
A flea market or swap meet is a type of bazaar where inexpensive or secondhand goods are sold or bartered. It may be indoors, such as in a warehouse or school gymnasium; or it may be outdoors, such as in a field or under a tent...
is held at the same time.
Other
- Laupheim is situated on the Upper Swabian Baroque RouteUpper Swabian Baroque RouteThe Upper Swabian Baroque Route is a touristic theme route through Upper Swabia, following the themes of "nature, culture, baroque". The route has a length of about 500 km . It was established in 1966, being one of the first theme routes in Germany...
, a touristic route along the most notable architectural remains of Baroque-style in Upper Swabia. - Jugendstil Cafe Hermes on Kapellenstraße, birthplace of Friedrich AdlerFriedrich Adler (artist)Friedrich Adler, , was a German academic, artist and designer. He was especially renowned for his accomplishments in designing metalwork in the Art nouveau and Art deco styles; he was also the first designer to use bakelite....
.
Sport
- FV Olympia Laupheim 1904: footballFootball (soccer)Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
club, currently playing in the 6th division (Verbandsliga WürttembergVerbandsliga WürttembergThe Verbandsliga Württemberg is currently the 6th tier of the German football league system. Until the introduction of the 3rd Liga it was the 5th tier of the league system.-Overview:...
). - Rot-Weiss Laupheim: handballTeam handballHandball is a team sport in which two teams of seven players each pass a ball to throw it into the goal of the other team...
club - Karateverein Laupheim: karateKarateis a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
club - Schachclub Laupheim 1962: chessChessChess is a two-player board game played on a chessboard, a square-checkered board with 64 squares arranged in an eight-by-eight grid. It is one of the world's most popular games, played by millions of people worldwide at home, in clubs, online, by correspondence, and in tournaments.Each player...
club. - Schützenverein Laupheim 1864: shootingShootingShooting is the act or process of firing rifles, shotguns or other projectile weapons such as bows or crossbows. Even the firing of artillery, rockets and missiles can be called shooting. A person who specializes in shooting is a marksman...
club for handguns and rifles. - Segelclub Laupheim: sailingSailingSailing is the propulsion of a vehicle and the control of its movement with large foils called sails. By changing the rigging, rudder, and sometimes the keel or centre board, a sailor manages the force of the wind on the sails in order to move the boat relative to its surrounding medium and...
club. - Taekwondo Laupheim: taekwondoTaekwondoTaekwondo is a Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae means "to strike or break with foot"; kwon means "to strike or break with fist"; and do means "way", "method", or "path"...
club. - Tanzclub Schloß Laupheim: ballroom dancing club
- Tauchsportgruppe Laupheim: divingDivingDiving is the sport of jumping or falling into water from a platform or springboard, sometimes while performing acrobatics. Diving is an internationally-recognized sport that is part of the Olympic Games. In addition, unstructured and non-competitive diving is a recreational pastime.Diving is one...
club - Tennisclub Laupheim 1904: tennisTennisTennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
club - TSV Laupheim 1862: sport club with several sub-divisions
Honorary citizens
- Carl LaemmleCarl LaemmleCarl Laemmle , born in Laupheim, Württemberg, Germany, was a pioneer in American film making and a founder of one of the original major Hollywood movie studios - Universal...
(17 January 1867 — 24 September 1939), German-American film producer (All Quiet on the Western Front), founder of Universal StudiosUniversal StudiosUniversal Pictures , a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, is one of the six major movie studios....
. - Anton Schmid (24 June 1864 - 25 August 1964), headmaster.
- Georg Schenk (14 December 1894 - 25 December 1971), teacher and local historian.
- DeanDean (religion)A dean, in a church context, is a cleric holding certain positions of authority within a religious hierarchy. The title is used mainly in the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church.-Anglican Communion:...
Philipp Ruf (8 November 1900 — ?), dean of Catholic church in Laupheim. - Father Ivo Schaible SDS (8 July 1912 – 13 September 1990), artist.
- Josef Braun (6 September 1910 - 2003), deputy headmaster, historian.
- Otmar Schick (born 8 September 1935), mayor from 1966 - 2002.
- Ernst Schäll (18 March 1927 — 28 October 2010), restorer of physical Jewish heritage in Laupheim.
Notable people from Laupheim
- Ludwig von WeldenLudwig von WeldenFranz Ludwig Baron von Welden was an Austrian army officer whose career culminated in becoming the commander-in-chief of the Austrian artillery....
(16 June 1780 - 7 August 1853), commander-in-chief of Austrian Imperial and Royal ArmyAustrian EmpireThe Austrian Empire was a modern era successor empire, which was centered on what is today's Austria and which officially lasted from 1804 to 1867. It was followed by the Empire of Austria-Hungary, whose proclamation was a diplomatic move that elevated Hungary's status within the Austrian Empire...
's artillery. - Kilian von SteinerKilian von SteinerKilian von Steiner was a German banker and industrialist.Born in Laupheim as the eighth child of Jewish merchant Viktor Steiner and his wife Sophie, Kilian Steiner spent his youth in the small Upper Swabian town...
(9 October 1833 – 11 November 1903), banker - Moritz HenleMoritz HenleMoritz Henle was a prominent German composer of liturgical music and cantor of the Jewish reform movement....
(7 August 1850 – 24 August 1925), cantorHazzanA hazzan or chazzan is a Jewish cantor, a musician trained in the vocal arts who helps lead the congregation in songful prayer.There are many rules relating to how a cantor should lead services, but the idea of a cantor as a paid professional does not exist in classical rabbinic sources...
and composerComposerA composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
of Jewish reform movementReform JudaismReform Judaism refers to various beliefs, practices and organizations associated with the Reform Jewish movement in North America, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. In general, it maintains that Judaism and Jewish traditions should be modernized and should be compatible with participation in the...
. - Carl LaemmleCarl LaemmleCarl Laemmle , born in Laupheim, Württemberg, Germany, was a pioneer in American film making and a founder of one of the original major Hollywood movie studios - Universal...
(17 January 1867 – 24 September 1939), film producerFilm producerA film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
, founder of Universal StudiosUniversal StudiosUniversal Pictures , a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, is one of the six major movie studios....
. - Franz Laub (1872 –30 April 1945), composerComposerA composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
, music directorMusic directorA music director may be the director of an orchestra, the director of music for a film, the director of music at a radio station, the head of the music department in a school, the co-ordinator of the musical ensembles in a university or college , the head bandmaster of a military band, the head...
of the city, music directorMusic directorA music director may be the director of an orchestra, the director of music for a film, the director of music at a radio station, the head of the music department in a school, the co-ordinator of the musical ensembles in a university or college , the head bandmaster of a military band, the head...
of the music federation of Upper SwabiaUpper SwabiaUpper Swabia is a region in Germany in the federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The name refers to the area between the Swabian Alb, Lake Constance and the Lech...
. - Friedrich AdlerFriedrich Adler (artist)Friedrich Adler, , was a German academic, artist and designer. He was especially renowned for his accomplishments in designing metalwork in the Art nouveau and Art deco styles; he was also the first designer to use bakelite....
(29 April 1878–1943), Jugendstil and Art DecoArt DecoArt deco , or deco, is an eclectic artistic and design style that began in Paris in the 1920s and flourished internationally throughout the 1930s, into the World War II era. The style influenced all areas of design, including architecture and interior design, industrial design, fashion and...
designer; perished in Auschwitz. - Hugo MannHugo MannHugo Mann was a German businessman.He was born in Laupheim. As a youth, Hugo Mann worked at his grandfather's shop in Karlsruhe where he started his own furniture business in 1938....
(17 November 1913 – 20 December 2008), retailRetailingRetail consists of the sale of physical goods or merchandise from a fixed location, such as a department store, boutique or kiosk, or by mail, in small or individual lots for direct consumption by the purchaser. Retailing may include subordinated services, such as delivery. Purchasers may be...
entrepreneurEntrepreneurAn entrepreneur is an owner or manager of a business enterprise who makes money through risk and initiative.The term was originally a loanword from French and was first defined by the Irish-French economist Richard Cantillon. Entrepreneur in English is a term applied to a person who is willing to...
. - Gretel BergmannGretel BergmannGretel Bergmann, also known as Margaret Bergmann-Lambert is a German-born athlete who competed as a high jumper during the 1930s.-Biography:Bergmann was born in Laupheim, Germany, where she later began her career in athletics...
(born 12 April 1914), internationally renowned high jumper of the 1930s was excluded from the 1936 Olympic team due to being Jewish. - Siegfried EinsteinSiegfried EinsteinSiegfried Einstein was a German-Jewish poet, novelist, essayist and journalist.-Life:The son of department store owner Max D. Einstein, Siegfried Einstein was born in the small city of Laupheim in Württemberg. His father was the owner of the city's largest department store...
(30 November 1919 – 25 April 1983 in MannheimMannheimMannheim is a city in southwestern Germany. With about 315,000 inhabitants, Mannheim is the second-largest city in the Bundesland of Baden-Württemberg, following the capital city of Stuttgart....
), authorAuthorAn author is broadly defined as "the person who originates or gives existence to anything" and that authorship determines responsibility for what is created. Narrowly defined, an author is the originator of any written work.-Legal significance:...
, poetPoetA poet is a person who writes poetry. A poet's work can be literal, meaning that his work is derived from a specific event, or metaphorical, meaning that his work can take on many meanings and forms. Poets have existed since antiquity, in nearly all languages, and have produced works that vary...
and journalistJournalistA journalist collects and distributes news and other information. A journalist's work is referred to as journalism.A reporter is a type of journalist who researchs, writes, and reports on information to be presented in mass media, including print media , electronic media , and digital media A...
. - Gertrud Zelinsky (born 11 April 1937), author.
- Ivo GönnerIvo GönnerIvo Gönner is a member of the SPD and the Lord Mayor of Ulm, as of August 28, 2008.- External links :* *...
(born 1 March 1952), Lord Mayor of Ulm. - Hermann Gaub (born 11 October 1954), biophysicistBiophysicsBiophysics is an interdisciplinary science that uses the methods of physical science to study biological systems. Studies included under the branches of biophysics span all levels of biological organization, from the molecular scale to whole organisms and ecosystems...
. - Gerd Scheffold (born 27 January 1957), politician and member of the state parliamentLandtagA Landtag is a representative assembly or parliament in German-speaking countries with some legislative authority.- Name :...
(Landtag of Baden-WürttembergLandtag of Baden-WürttembergThe Landtag of Baden-Württemberg is the state diet of the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg. It convenes in Stuttgart and currently consists of 139 members of four Parties...
). - Sandra Hoffmann (born 11 May 1967), writer.
- Christoph "Vinterriket" Ziegler (birthdate unknown), composer, artist.
See also
- Upper SwabiaUpper SwabiaUpper Swabia is a region in Germany in the federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The name refers to the area between the Swabian Alb, Lake Constance and the Lech...
- Upper Swabian Baroque RouteUpper Swabian Baroque RouteThe Upper Swabian Baroque Route is a touristic theme route through Upper Swabia, following the themes of "nature, culture, baroque". The route has a length of about 500 km . It was established in 1966, being one of the first theme routes in Germany...
- Laupheim Air Base
- History of the Jews in GermanyHistory of the Jews in GermanyThe presence of Jews in Germany has been established since the early 4th century. The community prospered under Charlemagne, but suffered during the Crusades...