Have you ever heard of a village named after a person called Kedin or Kadan? That’s the mystery surrounding Kemminghausen. Kemminghausen a charming suburb nestled in Dortmund’s Eving district has a rich history dating back to 1303. That’s when Hinrico de Kedeminchusen first appeared in official records. The name itself is a puzzle. Some believe it might be linked to the homes of Kedin or Kadan’s people.
Kemminghausen’s story unfolds through centuries. In 1329 the place is mentioned as to Kedeminchusen in Dortmund’s official documents. A noble named Hermanno de Kedeminchusen also features in the Clarenberg Monastery’s records from 1371 and 1372. The land mansus Theoderici de Kedemynchfsen was listed in a tax register in the mid-15th century. The name we know today Kemminghausen only appeared from 1841.
During the late Middle Ages and early modern period Kemminghausen was part of the Dortmund county. It belonged to the County of Mark for a while. From 1504 it was part of the Free Imperial City of Dortmund. Imagine this small village evolving within the larger context of powerful entities.
In the 19th century Kemminghausen became a rural community within the Dortmund district and Lünen office. By 1885 it covered 168 square kilometers. It had 17 residential buildings 24 households and just 173 inhabitants. This tiny village grew significantly. A significant part of the growth came when it was incorporated into Dortmund on June 10 1914.
One of Kemminghausen’s most fascinating landmarks is the former ventilation shaft Schacht 5 of the Minister Stein mine. This shaft is 952 meters deep and has a diameter of 760 meters. It ceased operation in 1987 and became a monument in 1988. Today it houses a restaurant and beer garden. It offers a unique glimpse into the industrial past of Kemminghausen.
The VfL Kemminghausen 1925 eV is a prominent local sports club. It is one of the largest in Dortmund’s north. The club showcases the community spirit of Kemminghausen. It reflects the active lifestyle of its people.
Today Kemminghausen has approximately 1623 inhabitants. The population is relatively young compared to the Dortmund average. It also has a higher-than-average percentage of foreigners. Despite its small size Kemminghausen retains its unique character and identity within the larger city of Dortmund.