“Imagine the Aumühle Verladebahnhof in 1894.” What stories could these old tracks tell? The Ehemaliger Bahnhof Aumühle, or former Aumühle train station, stands as a silent witness. It once bustled with activity but now carries a heavy history.
The Aumühle was originally established as a freight station. It was strategically located on the Nuremberg Road. In its early days the Aumühle primarily served the military. The nearby artillery barracks used it to transport supplies and equipment. This military connection is evident in old city plans. They mark a “Military Loading Ramp” at the site.
However the Aumühle’s role expanded in the 1920s. The surrounding areas became industrial zones. The city acquired a large plot of land. About 40,000 square meters were transformed into a loading yard in 1925. Cheap rents attracted businesses and soon, the Aumühle was expanded again. An additional 25,000 square meters were added in 1926.
But the Aumühle’s story took a dark turn during the Nazi era. Between 1941 and 1943, it became a deportation station. Over 1,700 Jews from Mainfranken were transported from here. They were sent to extermination camps. Almost all were murdered. The DenkOrt Deportationen 1941-1944 memorial and the “Path of Remembrance” now commemorate these atrocities. They serve as reminders of this dark chapter in history.
After the war, the Aumühle continued to function. Both the US military and civilian businesses used it. An industrial track extended from the station. It reached important facilities. These included the Kupsch central warehouse and the Siemens factory. In 1969 a container terminal was established. It facilitated the transshipment of goods. A historical photo from 1981 shows the terminal bustling with activity.
However, by the late 1980s, the Aumühle’s importance declined. Transport shifted to roads. Key businesses along the industrial track closed. In 1993 the last train was loaded at Siemens. The Aumühle fell into disuse.
In the mid-2000s, the city decided to dismantle the tracks. Today, little remains of the former Verladebahnhof Aumühle. Yet, remnants can still be found. Parts of the original cobblestone pavement are visible. Some railway buildings remain. Under the Aumühle bridge, one can find rudimentary remains of the loading ramp.
The Ehemaliger Bahnhof Aumühle serves as a potent reminder. It highlights Würzburg’s complex past. It tells tales of industry, military logistics and unspeakable crimes. As we reflect on this place let us remember the victims of the Holocaust. May their memory inspire us to fight against hatred and intolerance.