Erlangen

Erlangen is a German city in Middle Franconia. It is located at the estuary of the Untere Schwabach into the Regnitz.

History

Erlangen is first mentioned officially in 1002 under the name of "villa erlangon". In 1361, the village is sold to Emperor Karl IV. Three years later, a city is built close to the village, which in 1374 gets its own coining station. In 1398, the municipal rights are confirmed. In 1402, the city is vested to the Hohenzollern as part of the principiality of Brandenburg-Kulmbach (from 1603 on Bayreuth), staying under their rule until 1806. Erlangen is the capital of the so-called "Low County" (Unterland) of the principiality, encompassing the area until Neustadt an der Aisch and separated from the "High County" (Oberland) by a land corridor. After a four-year French occupation, it finally becomes part of the Kingdom of Bavaria, together with the Bayreuth prinicipiality.

Related Topics:
1002 - 1361 - Emperor - Karl IV - 1374 - Coining station - 1398 - Municipal rights - 1402 - Hohenzollern - 1603 - Bayreuth - 1806 - Capital - Neustadt an der Aisch - Kingdom of Bavaria

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While being part of the Bayreuth county, the first French Huguenot refugees arrive in Erlangen in 1686. The Bayreuth count Christian Ernst builds a "new town" (Neustadt) for them. In 1706, the old town (just below where every year the Bergkirchweih takes place) is almost completely destroyed by a fire, but soon rebuilt. In 1812, old and new city are finally merged into a single town.

Related Topics:
Huguenot - Refugees - 1686 - 1706 - Bergkirchweih - 1812

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In 1742, the count Friedrich of Bayreuth founded a university for the residency town Bayreuth, but due to the rebelliousness of the local students, the university is transferred to Erlangen. Only later did it obtain the name of "Friedrich-Alexander-University" and become a Prussian state university. Famous students of these times were Johann Ludwig Tieck and Wilhelm Heinrich Wackenroder.

Related Topics:
1742 - Prussian - Johann Ludwig Tieck - Wilhelm Heinrich Wackenroder

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Already during the Bavarian municipal reform of 1818, the city is endowed with an own administration. In 1862, the canton administration Erlangen is founded, from which later on arises the administrative district Erlangen. In 1972, this district is merged with the administrative district Höchstadt. Erlangen becomes the capital of this newly founded district Erlangen-Höchstadt. During this municipal reform, Erlangen is effectively enlarged considerably, so that in 1974, it exceeds 100,000 inhabitants.

Related Topics:
Municipal reform - 1818 - 1862 - 1972 - 1974

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