Zeltweg

Zeltweg is a town in Styria and located about in the middle of Austria. It is located in the Aichfeld at an elevation of about 659m and has a population of about 8189 (as of 2004). The largest river is the Mur. Larger municipalities in the vicinity are Judenburg, Knittelfeld and Fohnsdorf.

History

Some farms were located at Zeltweg already during the 13th century. The village was called "CELTWICH", its name being recorded in 1430 for the first time. During the 15th century, there were considerable difficulties resulting from famines, failed harvests and epidemics, From 1569 onwards, Archduke Charles II initiated the rafting of timber in the Mur, which gained considerable importance for Zeltweg's history. During the following decades, Zeltweg grew and was the target of migration.

Related Topics:
13th century - 1430 - 15th century - 1569 - Charles II

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During the 18th century, the population shrank considerably because of the expansion of roads. In 1848, Count Hugo Henckel von Donnersmark, who came from Silesia, decided to build a smeltery at the site. This industrial revolution brought a boom for Zeltweg. A railway station was built in 1868. The first mayor, Heinrich Dillinger, was elected in 1875.

Related Topics:
18th century - 1848 - Hugo Henckel von Donnersmark - Silesia - Smeltery - Industrial revolution - 1868 - Heinrich Dillinger - 1875

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At the end of World War II, Zeltweg was first occupied by Soviet and than English troups. Still, there was an upswing both in education and in industry after the war.

Related Topics:
World War II - Soviet - English

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