Eichsfeld Rural District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eichsfeld
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| Country |  Germany |
| State | Thuringia |
| Capital | Heilbad Heiligenstadt |
| Area | |
| • Total | 940 km2 (360 sq mi) |
| Population
(2001)
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| • Total | 114,100 |
| • Density | 121.4/km2 (314.4/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Vehicle registration | EIC |
| Website | http://www.lk-eichsfeld.de |
Eichsfeld is a rural district in Thuringia, Germany. It is part of a larger historical area also called Eichsfeld. A rural district is like a county or region that includes many towns and villages.
History of Eichsfeld
In the Middle Ages, the area known as Eichsfeld was much larger. Powerful leaders called Archbishops of Mainz owned it. They were important religious and political figures.
Eichsfeld was special because it remained Catholic. This was during a time called the Protestant Reformation. Many other parts of Germany became Protestant then. The Archbishops of Mainz worked hard to keep Eichsfeld Catholic.
In 1801, big changes happened in Germany. The old religious states were dissolved. A powerful kingdom called Prussia took control of Eichsfeld.
The district you see on maps today was created more recently. In 1994, two older districts, Worbis and Heiligenstadt, joined together to form the current Eichsfeld district.
What the Coat of Arms Means
The coat of arms for Eichsfeld tells a story about its past. It shows two main symbols.
One symbol is the eagle. This eagle was a special sign of Prussia. It shows that Prussia once ruled this area.
The other symbol is a wheel. This wheel was a symbol used by the bishops of Mainz. It reminds us that the Archbishops of Mainz were very important here for a long time.
These symbols were first put together on the coat of arms in 1801. That was shortly after Prussia took over Eichsfeld. The same coat of arms was brought back in 1994 when the new district was formed.
Towns and Villages
Eichsfeld is home to many towns and smaller communities. The capital city of the district is Heilbad Heiligenstadt. Another important town is Leinefelde-Worbis. These places are where many people live and work. The district is made up of various towns and villages that work together.
