Pforzheim

A small town of Germany situated at the confluence of the Nagold and the Enz, on. the northern margin of the Black Forest, 19 m. S.E. of Karlsruhe by rail, and at the junction of lines to Wildbad and Ettlingen. Some of the enchanting buildings of Pforezheim are the old palace of the margraves of Baden, and the Schlosskirche, the tombs and monuments of the margraves.

Pforzheim is the chief center in Germany for the manufacture of gold and silver ornaments and jewelry, an industry that gives employment to about 22,000 hands, besides which there are iron and copper works, and manufactures of chemicals, paper, leather, machinery. A brisk trade is maintained in timber, cattle and agricultural produce.

Pforzheim is of Roman origin. From about 1300 to 1565 it was the seat of the margraves of Baden. It was taken by the troops of the Catholic League in. 1624, and was destroyed by the French in. 1689. The story of the 400 citizens of Pforzheim who sacrificed themselves for their prince after the battle of Wimpfen in May 1622 has been relegated by modern historical research to the domain of legend.