Didn’t the Zeche Zollverein cast a shadow over this very ground once? Here at Friedhof am Hallo in Essen, history whispers from every corner. This is no ordinary cemetery. It is a place where lives, stories, and even political ideals are etched in stone.
Friedhof am Hallo is located in the Schonnebeck district. It blankets nearly the entire natural Hallo elevation. Since 1918, this has been a place of rest and remembrance.
One notable grave belongs to Carl Meyer. He was the mayor of Stoppenberg from 1891 to 1924. His leadership shaped this community and now he rests peacefully here.
Pause for a moment at the memorial stone. It honors 29 miners who died in a tragic accident. A methane explosion at the Zollverein 6/9 mine claimed their lives on February 26, 1941. Among them were French forced laborers. The inscription reads: “Brother, your hand here is mine, to our comrades who gave their lives on Zollverein 6/9 on February 26, 1941.” The simple stone depicts miners shaking hands. This was the largest mine disaster at the nearby Zollverein coal mine.
Let’s step over to another significant monument. Since 1988, the Stein der Republik or Stone of the Republic has stood at the cemetery’s southern exit. First erected in 1929 by the Reichsbanner Schwarz-Rot-Gold it commemorated three Weimar Republic politicians. The Nazis removed it soon after seizing power. It bears the likenesses of Matthias Erzberger, Walter Rathenau, and Friedrich Ebert. Erzberger was the Finance Minister murdered in 1921. Rathenau, the Foreign Minister, was murdered in 1924. Ebert was the first Reich President who died in 1925.
In 1972, a Muslim burial ground was established here. It faces Mecca. Today, it provides a final resting place for over 1400 deceased Muslims. In mid-2010, another Muslim burial ground was added. It is located in the upper area of the cemetery. By January 2012, thirty new graves had been created there.
With an area of 17.4 hectares, Friedhof am Hallo has space for 17,412 graves. In 2010, there were 1077 burials. Besides traditional graves there are lawn graves.
The Hallo Park and a model airplane field border Friedhof am Hallo. The Schwarzbach spring lies between the Sportpark Am Hallo and the cemetery.
Near the model airplane field there is a stele for the Essener Aussichten. The Zollverein Coal Mine can be seen in the distance. The Gelsenkirchen oil refinery and the Oberscholven landfill are further in the background.
Friedhof am Hallo is more than a burial ground. It’s a testament to Essen’s history. It is a place where stories of industry, community, and remembrance intertwine. As we leave, remember the lives honored here. Reflect on the enduring power of memory.