Did you know Furth was once home to the largest estate within Chemnitz’s old city limits? Furth is a district in the north of Chemnitz. The Chemnitz river flows through it. Furth was incorporated on July 1 1913. Today, let’s uncover Furth’s story.
Imagine this. It’s the early 14th century. You are a weary traveler approaching a shallow crossing on the Chemnitz River. This is likely how Furth got its name. “Furt” means “ford” in German. This vital crossing point served merchants and travelers. As early as 1004, Frankish merchants and drivers stopped here on their Bohemian journey before crossing the Caminitzi.
In 1338, Furth was first mentioned as Forth. Later in 1402, it was called Furt. The Chemnitz Monastery influenced Furth. The monastery created fish ponds near Furth. Fischweg and Dammweg still remind us of that time.
Furth’s agricultural character slowly faded. Small and large factories emerged. They shaped Chemnitz’s industrial history. J. C. Irmscher founded a machine spinning mill in 1812. By 1807, it already employed 25 workers. In 1812, the company was Saxony’s most important spindle manufacturer. However, it had to give way to the Chemnitztalstrasse expansion in the 1950s.
Take a look around. Notice the blend of residential areas and industrial sites. Furth is home to the Chemnitz-Nord heating plant. The waste disposal company ASR is also here. The Stadtwerke and Envia Mitteldeutsche Energie are located on Chemnitztalstrasse.
Now, envision Furth in the early 20th century. Cammann & Co. AG built Chemnitz’s first high-rise here between 1923 and 1925. Architect Willy Schönefeld designed the 40-meter building. It stands on Blankenauer Strasse 74. Today, companies like Agilion use it as office space.
Consider this. Furth was once connected to the city center by streetcar line 7. It ran until 1972. Furth is bordered by two railway lines. The Chemnitztalstrasse runs between them, accompanying the river and spanned by viaducts. Today, buses 22 and 23 connect Furth to the city center.
Furth has seen many changes. From a river crossing to an industrial hub, Furth continues to evolve. Furth remains a vital part of Chemnitz.