Esslingen am Neckar

For the Swiss city of the same name, see Esslingen, Switzerland. Esslingen Coat of arms Location
Administration Country Germany State Baden-Württemberg Admin. region Stuttgart District Esslingen MayorJürgen Zieger (SPD) Basic statistics Area46.43 km² (17.9 sq mi) Elevation241 m (791 ft) Population92,299 (01/01/2004) - Density1,988 /km² (5,149 /sq mi) Other information Time zone CET/CEST(UTC+1/+2) Licence plateES Postal codes73701–73734 Area code0711 Website www.esslingen.de

Coordinates: 48°44′0″N 9°19′0″E / 48.73333, 9.31667

Esslingen am Neckar is a city in the Stuttgart Region of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, capital of the District of Esslingen as well as the largest city in the district. It is located on the river Neckar, about 14 km south-east of Stuttgart city center. The surrounding regions are also mostly developed around the city of Esslingen.

1 History
2 Hochschule Esslingen
3 External links

History

Overview

The first human settlements root back to about 1000 B.C. Esslingen was first mentioned in 777 as Ezelinga in the last will of Abbot Fulrad from Saint-Denis (near Paris), the chaplain of Pippin and Charlemagne. He bequeaths the church sixth cell upon the river Neckar to his monastery Saint-Denis. He also brought the bones of Saint Vitalis to Esslingen, which made it a target for pilgrimage and led to its growth.

Around 800 Esslingen becomes a market town, its market rights being certified in 866. In 949–953 it appears in the possession of Liudolf, Duke of Swabia. Esslingen received city rights in 1229, and was first mentioned as an Imperial city in 1298.

The time between the 13th century and 16th century saw many conflicts between the Free Imperial City and the State of Badenwuerttemberg. About half the population lost their lives in the Thirty Years War between 1618 and 1648 by either hungar or epedemics. Esslingen lost its independence as an Imperial city in 1803, becoming part of the Duchy of Württemberg.

The beginning of 19th Century was characterized by industrialisation for Esslingen. A glove manufacturing industry, a food proceesing industry, a textile industry and a metal working industry were started. On 20 November 1845 the first train from Cannstatt to Esslingen was introduced.

In 1945, during World War II, Esslingen was occupied by U.S. soldiers, thereby being spared much of the damage caused by World War II.

After the Second World War, about 47,000 people (mostly refugees and displaced persons from the Eastern Germany) moved into Esslingen. There were settlements in Oberesslingen and Zollberg, in order to overcome the shortage of housing.

In 1973 Esslingen am Neckar became seat of the newly enlarged county of Nürtingen now called county of Esslingen.

Prehistoric Times

Through archealogical findings there is evidence of premanent settlement in what is now the city of Esslingen since the Neolithic Stone Age. Traces of human settlement date back to 1000 B.C under the current city church.

Roman times

In the 1st century AD the Esslingen region became a part of the Roman Empire. During this period there existed a Roman warehouse in the area of Oberesslingen. The next major settlements were Cannstatt and Köngen.

Hochschule Esslingen

Esslingen is also home to a famous and well established University of Applied Science. The Esslingen University of Applied Sciences (German: Hochschule Esslingen) is known for its mechanical engineering and automotive programs. The university also offers some Masters programs in English language. Esslingen is also the ancestral home of Booey Hottenstein.