Grafschaftsdenkmal, architectural structure
The Grafschaftsdenkmal is a stone monument topped with a bronze eagle sculpture located in Bielefeld's Jöllenbeck district, commemorating the 300-year period when the county of Ravensberg was ruled by Brandenburg-Prussia. The granite base sits on deep foundations, while the eagle perches above displaying the coat of arms of Ravensberg and the Prussian symbol.
The monument was unveiled in 1909 to honor the 300 years when Ravensberg was ruled by Brandenburg-Prussia, with sculptor Heinrich Wefing creating the work following the initiative of local farmer Gustav Meyer zu Jöllenbeck starting in 1897. The unveiling became one of the largest gatherings in the town's history, drawing thousands of visitors from across the region.
The monument is also known locally as the Adlerdenkmal and stands at a busy junction in Jöllenbeck where it has become a familiar sight for residents. The site serves as a marker of the region's deep connection to Prussian history and continues to shape the community's sense of identity.
The monument stands at a junction in Jöllenbeck and is easily accessible on foot, especially from the nearby bus stop named after it. The location near Kantorgarten offers straightforward access for visitors interested in exploring local history.
The unveiling was an extraordinary celebration with parades and historical reenactments that drew an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people from across the region. The festivities marked the first time electric lighting was used for a public gathering in Jöllenbeck, highlighting the significance of the event.
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