Lost in time is how one might feel when considering Sennwald’s past. The earliest mention of Sennwald lies within the ninth-century biography of Saint Gallus. This text recounts his crossing of the Alpstein around the year 612. He traversed the Chrinnepass now known as Saxerlugge. The passage notes that after crossing the Alps, he entered the forest called Sennius.
Imagine Sennwald then. Think of dense woods. Picture a landscape far removed from today’s world. After this initial mention, written records of Sennwald’s history are scarce until the emergence of the Barons of Sax.
No other dynasty in the Alpine Rhine Valley maintained its hold for as long as the Barons of Sax. They ruled for approximately 500 years. Their dominion stretched into Misox and other valleys of Graubünden. Around 1200, they settled at Hohensax Castle. It was a newly constructed fortress at the time.
Consider the strategic importance of Hohensax. Perched high above, it offered control over the surrounding lands. In 1446, Appenzell forces destroyed the castle. It has remained in ruins ever since. Another significant Sax castle complex is Forstegg Castle near Salez. Its construction date remains uncertain. The first recorded mention of it appears in 1410. Other Sax family seats included Frischenberg Castle above Sax and the Freisitz Sax. The Freisitz Sax is now the Schlössli Inn.
In 1615, a few years after Johann Philipp’s violent death, the dominion of Sax-Forstegg was sold to Zurich. Zurich’s bailiffs resided at Forstegg Castle until 1798. That year marked the end of the Old Swiss Confederacy. The French Revolution brought freedom to the former Swiss subjects.
Picture the transition. The shift from feudal rule to cantonal integration. With its incorporation into the Canton of St Gallen in 1803, the foundation was laid for the political municipality of Sennwald. Generations have transformed it into the modern community we know today.
Think about the people who shaped Sennwald. They built its institutions. They fostered its growth. Our task now involves jointly constructing its future. Sennwald continues to evolve. Its rich history provides a strong base. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.