Is it possible that Burgstädt was founded by the Burggrafen von Altenburg? Perhaps between 1270 and 1301? Let’s delve into the story of this Saxon town. Burgstädt is a town in Mittelsachsen district in Saxony Germany. It sits 12 km northwest of Chemnitz.
Burgstädt’s story is closely tied to the shifting powers of the region. In 1329 Burgstädt came under the control of the Burggrafen von Leisnig. Later in 1448 it fell into the hands of the Herren von Gera Reuß. Burgstädt likely gained town rights before 1378.
Linen weaving became a prominent craft here. In 1494 the town administration consisted of a judge and six lay assessors. The town’s administration underwent changes with the introduction of the Allgemeinen Städteordnung in 1832. Burgstädt’s first mayor was introduced into office on January 24 1835. Alongside the mayor the council included three councillors.
Burgstädt became part of the Schönburgische Herrschaft Rochsburg in 1548. Its jurisdiction was under the Graflichen Justizamt there. The Herren von Schönburg exercised higher jurisdiction. The town held lower jurisdiction. This lower jurisdiction extended to Burkersdorf, Göppersdorf, Heiersdorf and Mohsdorf. These places belonged to the Pfarrlehen Burgstädt.
In 1835 the Herrschaft Rochsburg was incorporated into the Amt Rochlitz. The Schönburgers’ jurisdiction and the town council’s police and administrative powers transferred to the state in 1855/56. On June 28 1856 the Königliche Gericht Burgstädt started its work. On October 1 1856 the Gerichtsamt was established in the town. It was subordinate to the Königlichen Bezirksgericht Mittweida.
Burgstädt is home to notable figures. Erich Gleixner was a footballer. Peter Jahr is a politician. Barbara Köhler is a lyricist. Rico Lieder is an athlete. Gerhard Wahrig was a lexicographer.
Today Burgstädt has a mayor named Lars Naumann. He was elected for the term 2022–2029. The town covers an area of 25.76 square kilometers. In 2022 its population was 10475. This gives Burgstädt a population density of 410 per square kilometer. Burgstädt is a vibrant community with a rich past and a promising future.