Neuilly-sur-Marne remembers General Schmitz. Isidore Pierre Schmitz was born right here in Neuilly-sur-Marne on July 21 1820. Let me tell you about this road. Rue du Général Schmitz is more than just a street.
This French general was the son of Baron Nicolas Schmitz. He fought bravely in the Algerian and Crimean campaigns. Later he became an officer to Napoleon III.
In 1859 the Emperor sent him carrying flags. These flags were captured at Magenta to Empress Regent. General Schmitz also participated in the Chinese War in 1860. He was also involved in the Second Italian War between 1866 and 1867.
At the start of the Franco-Prussian War General Schmitz assisted General Trochu. He served as Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Paris. From 1874 to 1886 he served as a member of the Conseil Supérieur de la Guerre.
The street you see before you was once the cemetery street. It was renamed in his honor on September 10 1894. However there was a slight error. The deliberation incorrectly transcribed his name as Schmith.
Rue du Général Schmitz had another name. It was also known as chemin vicinal number 2. This road extended beyond the cemetery as chemin rural du petit bois. It went as far as chemin de Meaux. Today that is Rue Louis Vannini.
Today Rue du Général Schmitz ends before a municipal building. It is the Centre Technique Municipal built in 1998. The current Rue du Général Schmitz could no longer be called rue du cimetière.
The story of Rue du Général Schmitz reflects Neuilly-sur-Marne’s history. It includes military service and remembrance. It also shows how street names evolve over time. This street reminds us of a local hero. He served France with distinction. Take a moment to appreciate this place. Remember General Schmitz’s contribution to French history.