Did you know that this seemingly unremarkable structure is actually the Hercules Schacht 3? More specifically it’s the Ernst-Tengelmann-Schacht. It has a rich and fascinating history.
Originally known as Schacht 3 or Katharina Schacht 3 this mine shaft began its life in 1899. Imagine the bustling energy of Essen at the turn of the 20th century. The sound of picks and shovels. The rhythmic chug of machinery. This shaft was part of that intense industrial activity. Coal was king and this was one of its many thrones.
For many years the shaft served as a vital artery for the Hercules mine. It played a key role in extracting the coal that fueled Essen’s growth. In 1901 the shaft started production. By 1906 the mine and this shaft were independent. The coal industry had been booming. However this prosperity wasn’t to last.
In 1925 Schacht 3 became a ventilation shaft. A significant change in its function. But it still played a vital role in the mine’s operation. The years that followed saw another transformation. In 1954 it underwent renovations. In 1955 a major change happened. It was renamed the Ernst-Tengelmann-Schacht. The man himself was a powerful figure. Ernst Tengelmann was a hugely influential businessman. He’d worked his way up from humble beginnings as a mine official. He’d even been the General Director of the Essener Steinkohlenbergwerke AG. This renaming was a huge honor. For a short period the shaft resumed its role in coal production.
However this second life was short-lived. In 1972 the mine closed for good. The entire complex was abandoned. The shaft’s story is a microcosm of the Ruhr region’s industrial evolution. It reflects the region’s rise and fall. Now only the protegohaube remains. A concrete cover sits above the shaft mouth. It stands as a silent sentinel to a busy past. A testament to the hard work and determination of those who toiled beneath the earth. It stands as a reminder of this city’s industrial heritage. It marks the site of a piece of Essen’s history.