Delrath

Hidden in the heart of Dormagen lies Delrath. This quaint village whispers tales of a rich past. Delrath’s story begins long ago, around 4000 BC, marked by archaeological finds like arrowheads and stone axe blades. These remnants hint at early settlers. Delrath wasn’t always Delrath. Its original name, Dahlrath, meant “valley clearing”. This name reflects its origins in the medieval era, somewhere between 900 and 1300 AD. The first documented mention of Delrath, then called Didenrode, appears in a land contract from February 7th, 1263. This contract mentions Marsilius and Amilius von Didenrode as witnesses. By the 14th century, Delrath fell under the jurisdiction of the Kurkölnischen Dingstuhl Hülchrath. Centuries passed. In 1663, Delrath consisted of just 13 houses and farms. Then came the French troops in 1794, and Delrath became part of the Municipality of Zons. Later, it shifted to the Mairie Nievenheim. In 1815, Delrath joined the Kingdom of Prussia, and in 1816, the municipality and mayoralty of Nievenheim. Finally, in 1975, Delrath became part of Dormagen. Today, you can see evidence of this transition in the distinct signs marking Delrath as a separate district. Delrath’s landscape has changed significantly. Once dotted with farms like Leckenhof, Latourshof, Meiselhöfchen, and Sülzhof, Delrath embraced industry. A zinc smelter arrived in 1911, becoming a major employer. This smelter operated until 1971. Its buildings, along with a nearby settlement, were demolished in 1973. Today, a large concrete plant occupies the former industrial site. Latourshof and Sülzhof have traded livestock for apple orchards. Despite these industrial developments, Delrath retains some of its agricultural charm. Interestingly, the Nievenheim train station, built in 1895, is actually located in Delrath. This station serves the S11 line, connecting Düsseldorf Airport to Cologne and Bergisch Gladbach. Delrath also boasts its own St. Gabriel Church. It replaced a wooden chapel built in 1926. A tragic accident during the new church’s construction claimed the life of a worker. Delrath is more than just buildings and industry. It’s a community woven together by its unique Rhine dialect and a vibrant history.