Did you know Bezirk Affoltern is more than just a dot on the map? It is a tapestry woven with threads of history, autonomy, and transformation.
Welcome to Bezirk Affoltern. This is a district in the southwest of the Canton of Zurich. It sits nestled between the Albiskette and the Reuss River. To the west and northwest, it borders the Canton of Aargau. To the south, it meets the Canton of Zug.
Locals often call Bezirk Affoltern the Säuliamt. In earlier centuries, people also called it Zürcher Freiamt. But this name is now almost unknown. The district is identical to the region Knonaueramt.
Let’s journey back in time. Imagine Zurich gradually gaining control over these lands starting in the early 15th century. By the Reformation, Zurich’s rule was firm. In 1406, the heirs of Johann von Hallwyl sold the Vogtei Maschwanden to Zurich. This included Langnau, Kappel, Rifferswil, Maschwanden, Ottenbach, and parts of Obfelden.
Fast forward to 1415. Zurich annexed the Freiamt Affoltern during the Swiss conquest of Aargau. This came with high jurisdiction over Steinhausen. It also included the Maschwanderamt, the Kelleramt, and various other territories.
The entire region suffered during the Old Zurich War from 1443 to 1450. Schwyz, Glarus, Lucerne, and Zug administered it during this time.
The Freiamt had traditional autonomy rights. One of these was its own jurisdiction. Court venues from Habsburg times included Rifferswil, Affoltern am Albis, and Berikon. The Freiamtsgemeinde met in Mettmenstetten Church. In 1795, the final meeting had to move to the Rüteli. The church was too small for the crowd.
From 1507 to 1512, Zurich’s government consolidated these areas into the Landvogtei Knonau. This excluded some territories which formed their own Obervogteien.
Centralization efforts by Zurich’s guild regime sparked resistance. Examples include the Waldmannhandel in 1489 and the Wädenswil uprising in 1646. The Ämtlerhandel in 1794/95 and the Bockenkrieg in 1804 also showed resistance. The last uprising led to military occupation. Two revolutionaries from Affoltern am Albis and Knonau were executed. Their names are on a memorial stone at Affoltern station.
In 1798, the Helvetic Republic created the District of Mettmenstetten. It included the core of Landvogtei Knonau. Langnau went to the District of Horgen. Steinhausen and the Kelleramt went to other cantons.
The district took its current form in 1814 as Oberamt Knonau. In 1837, the district capital moved from Knonau to Affoltern am Albis. This is when it received its present name Bezirk Affoltern.
Industrialization surged around the mid-19th century. The opening of the Zurich-Zug railway line in 1864 boosted transport. The opening of National Road 4 in 2009 was another turning point. Affoltern am Albis became reachable from Zurich and Zug in under 15 minutes.
A regional protest movement delayed highway construction for over 20 years. Yet, it couldn’t stop the suburbanization of parts of the district.
As of 2012, almost 50000 people lived in Bezirk Affoltern. There were 16000 jobs. In the last decade, the district saw a population growth of 16.1 %.
Today, Bezirk Affoltern stands as a blend of rural charm and modern accessibility. Its history is marked by struggles for autonomy and periods of transformation. As you explore, remember the stories woven into its landscape. This Bezirk Affoltern has evolved. It has grown. Yet, it retains its unique identity within the Canton of Zurich.