Petershausen-West

Slipping through time, imagine yourselves in 19th century Konstanz. The air crackles with the hiss of steam engines. The clatter of construction echoes across the newly built stone and iron bridge. This is Petershausen-West, poised on the cusp of transformation. Petershausen-West was once a tranquil stretch of farmland, a “vorgarten” or front garden to the bustling city of Konstanz. But the rising population demanded more space. Neubürger, newcomers, sought homes, and Altstädter, old city residents, looked across the Rhine for new beginnings. This sparked the metamorphosis of Petershausen-West. The arrival of the railway in 1863 was a game-changer for Petershausen-West. It brought with it the promise of connection to Switzerland and the Alps. Tourists flocked to the newly built, neo-gothic train station. Industry, however, was slow to arrive. The open spaces, ample water supply, and rail connection of Petershausen-West eventually attracted entrepreneurs, particularly from Switzerland. The arrival of industry in Petershausen-West brought a darker side to its progress. Tobias Engelsing documented the harsh conditions faced by workers in the dye works: 16-hour workdays, child labor, and exposure to dangerous chemicals. Basic housing was provided for these workers, often recruited from outside the region, marking the beginning of a new community in Petershausen-West. The energetic mayor Max Stromeyer, elected in 1866, envisioned a modern Petershausen-West. He secured funds from the Spital-Stiftungen, hospital foundations, to regulate the “wild” development. This led to the construction of a modern hospital in 1872, a landmark building that still stands today as part of the Herzklinik. The hospital marked a social shift in Petershausen-West and Konstanz. The state took over social services previously managed by the church. Schools, poorhouses, and elderly care were separated from healthcare. Stromeyer’s attempts to establish a non-denominational school were met with resistance, ultimately finding a home in the former Franciscan monastery. This conflict highlighted the growing pains of Petershausen-West as it modernized. Petershausen-West also saw the establishment of new cemeteries, a new waterfront with ambitious, though sometimes failed, hotel ventures, and the construction of the Klosterkaserne (Monastery Barracks) in 1877. The barracks, strategically located near the railway, solidified the presence of the military in Petershausen-West. This brought both economic benefits and a new dimension to the social fabric of the area. Today, Petershausen-West continues to evolve, a vibrant mix of residential areas, historical landmarks, and echoes of a past that shaped its character. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a community that embraced change, navigated challenges, and forged its own unique identity.