Apelstein 4

Amidst the serene waters of Markkleeberger See, Apelstein 4 stands as a silent sentinel. Apelstein 4 whispers tales of a tumultuous past, a stark reminder of the Battle of Wachau. This unassuming marker, one of fifty Apelsteine scattered across Leipzig, holds a significant piece of history. Apelstein 4 commemorates General von Kleist’s 10,000-strong force. They bravely fought on October 16, 1813, during the Battle of Wachau, a precursor to the larger Battle of Leipzig. The inscription on Apelstein 4, facing the former battlefield, clearly states “General v. KLEIST, 10000 Mann”. The reverse side commemorates the “Schlacht bei WACHAU am 16. October 1813”. These Apelsteine, brainchild of Leipzig native Theodor Apel, dot the landscape. They mark key positions held by coalition armies during the Battle of Leipzig. Apel, a writer and jurist, envisioned these stones as historical guideposts. He meticulously documented the troop placements, commanders, and battles. He personally funded the initial 44 stones between 1861 and 1864. Sadly, the original sandstone proved fragile. Many stones, including Apelstein 4, were replaced with more durable replicas, sometimes slightly shifted from their original locations. The original Apelstein 4 now resides in the Torhaus Markkleeberg Museum. The replica we see today, near Crostewitzer Höhe, ensures the story of General von Kleist’s troops continues to be told. The Battle of Wachau, though less renowned than the subsequent Battle of Leipzig, played a crucial role. It set the stage for the larger conflict, a clash that would reshape Europe. Apelstein 4, a humble stone monument, invites us to reflect. It reminds us of the sacrifices made on this very ground, echoing the clash of swords and the roar of cannons. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, a story etched in stone for generations to come.