Isn’t it remarkable how a seemingly small town can hold such a wealth of history? Today, we’re exploring Zug, a district of Freiberg with a story etched in mining history.
Zug wasn’t always part of Freiberg. It was an independent municipality until 1994. Before that, in 1950, it joined with Langenrinne. Now, Zug includes Oberzug, Niederzug, Pulvermühle, Rotes Vorwerk, and Langenrinne.
The name Zug comes from mining. It refers to a group of adjacent veins or deposits. It also means a number of mines built on the same deposit. Zug’s landscape was shaped by four powerful Haldenzüge. These were Rosenkranz-, Turmhofer-, Hohbirker- and Krönertzug. Silver and lead ore were mined here.
Mining buildings formed the core of Zug. These included mine buildings and Huthäuser. Berthelsdorf’s fields and Brand’s settlement also contributed. The Rote Vorwerk, mentioned in 1445, was another key element. Also important were the Hilligersche and Mauckische Vorwerke.
The Battle of Freiberg occurred on Zug’s fields. This was the last battle of the Seven Years’ War. The world’s first cavern power plant was built at the Drei-Brüder-Schacht and Constantinschacht. The Rothschönberger Stolln runs under these shafts.
In 1839, Nieder-, Mittel- and Oberzug formed the municipality of Zug. Until 1856, Zug was part of the Freiberg district. Mining ceased in 1913. Langenrinne was incorporated into Zug in 1950. In 1994, Zug became part of Freiberg.
The Silberstraße or the Bundesstraße 101 passes west of Zug. Zug had a train station on the Berthelsdorf–Großhartmannsdorf line since 1901. Passenger trains stopped running in 1998.
Zug is a technical and cultural landmark. It includes Huthäuser and Bergschmieden. There are also mine dumps and Bingen. It was once a key part of the Freiberg mining area.
The Tiefen Fürstenstolln in Emanuel is located here. Also located here are the Prophet Daniel Fundgrube and the Halbe Kaue. Other mines include Kurfürst Johann Georgen Stolln. There is also Segen Gottes Herzog August Fundgrube with Drei-Brüder-Schacht. Furthermore, there is Beschert Glück Fundgrube, Constantinschacht, and Alte Mordgrube.
Zug has seen many changes. Yet its mining history remains. It is a vital part of Freiberg’s identity.