The Meyers Orts und Verkehrs Lexikon, a comprehensive German gazetteer, is an invaluable resource for historians, genealogists, and anyone exploring the rich tapestry of 19th and early 20th century Germany. This detailed lexicon provides a wealth of information about the geographic regions, transportation networks, and administrative structures that defined the landscape of the German Empire from 1871 to 1918.
Geographical Terminology
At the heart of the Meyers Orts und Verkehrs Lexikon are the detailed entries for individual localities, each with a wealth of information about their geographic context. To navigate this treasure trove of data, it is essential to understand the lexicon’s system of geographical abbreviations. Some key terms include:
- Amt: An administrative district or county
- Bezirk: An administrative district or region
- Dorf: A village
- Gemeinde: A municipality or local community
- Grafschaft: A county or countship
- Herrschaft: A manor or lordship
- Kreis: A county or district
- Provinz: A province
- Regierungsbezirk: An administrative region
- Stadtkr.: An urban district
- Stadtkreis: An urban district
- Vorort: A suburb
Transportation Terminology
The Meyers Orts und Verkehrs Lexikon also provides extensive details on the transportation infrastructure connecting these localities, using a system of specialized abbreviations:
- Bf.: Bahnhof (railway station)
- Bz.: Bezirk (district)
- Ebh.: Eisenbahnhaltestelle (railway halt)
- Ebl.: Eisenbahnlinie (railway line)
- Ef.: Eisenbahnfabrik (railway factory)
- Ek.: Eisenbahnknoten (railway junction)
- Pt.: Post (post office)
- Str.: Straße (street)
- Tel.: Telegraph (telegraph office)
- Vh.: Verkehrshalte (transportation stop)
Lexical Structure
The Meyers Orts und Verkehrs Lexikon follows a consistent format in presenting its information, with each entry typically including the following elements:
- Locality Name: The name of the town, village, or other geographic feature
- Administrative Jurisdiction: The state, province, or district in which the locality is situated
- Population: The population figure, often citing the 1905 or 1910 census
- Facilities: Details on the presence of a post office, telegraph office, railway station, or other infrastructure
- Economic Activities: Notes on local industries, businesses, or other economic endeavors
By understanding this lexical structure and the system of abbreviations employed, researchers can effectively navigate the wealth of information contained within the Meyers Orts und Verkehrs Lexikon.
Meyers Orts und Verkehrs Lexikon: A Comprehensive Resource
The Meyers Orts und Verkehrs Lexikon was a groundbreaking work, aiming to document every locality within the German Empire during a pivotal period of its history. This gazetteer provides unparalleled insights into the geographic, transportation, and administrative landscape that defined the lives of our ancestors.
Geographical Regions
The lexicon’s entries cover a vast array of geographic features, from major cities and towns to obscure hamlets and rural outposts. By consulting the Meyers Orts und Verkehrs Lexikon, researchers can better understand the regional context in which their ancestors lived, worked, and raised their families.
Transportation Networks
Equally important are the lexicon’s detailed records of the transportation infrastructure connecting these localities. From railway stations and telegraph offices to post offices and roads, the Meyers Orts und Verkehrs Lexikon offers a comprehensive view of the mobility and communication networks that shaped the lives of early 20th century Germans.
Lexical Conventions
The consistent formatting and system of abbreviations employed in the Meyers Orts und Verkehrs Lexikon allows researchers to quickly parse the wealth of information contained within its pages. By familiarizing themselves with the lexicon’s conventions, users can efficiently locate and interpret the data relevant to their research.
Terminology of the Lexicon
To fully harness the power of the Meyers Orts und Verkehrs Lexikon, it is essential to understand the specialized terminology it employs. This includes both geographic concepts and transportation systems, as well as the lexical abbreviations used throughout the work.
Geographic Concepts
The lexicon’s entries are rich with terminology describing the various administrative and geographic features of the German Empire. Terms like Amt, Bezirk, Gemeinde, and Kreis provide crucial context about the hierarchical structures and jurisdictions that defined the lived experience of our ancestors.
Transportation Systems
Equally important are the lexicon’s detailed references to the transportation infrastructure connecting these localities. Terms like Bahnhof, Eisenbahnlinie, Post, and Telegraph offer valuable insights into the mobility and communication networks that shaped the daily lives of early 20th century Germans.
Lexical Abbreviations
To streamline the presentation of this wealth of information, the Meyers Orts und Verkehrs Lexikon employs a sophisticated system of lexical abbreviations. By mastering the meanings of abbreviations like Bf., Bz., Ef., and Vh., researchers can efficiently navigate the lexicon’s entries and extract the most relevant details for their research.
Structure of the Lexicon
The Meyers Orts und Verkehrs Lexikon is organized in a systematic, user-friendly manner, with each entry presenting a wealth of information in a standardized format.
Geographical Entries
At the heart of the lexicon are the detailed entries for individual localities, which provide a comprehensive overview of the geographic context, administrative jurisdictions, and key infrastructure and economic activities that defined each place.
Transportation Entries
Equally prominent are the lexicon’s entries focusing on the transportation networks that connected these localities, with information on railway stations, postal services, and telegraph offices.
Lexical Formatting
The consistent formatting and use of specialized abbreviations throughout the Meyers Orts und Verkehrs Lexikon allows researchers to quickly identify and interpret the most relevant information for their needs, whether they are tracing their family’s roots or exploring the broader history of the German Empire.
By mastering the lexicon’s terminology, structure, and conventions, researchers can unlock a treasure trove of insights into the world of their ancestors. As they delve into the Meyers Orts und Verkehrs Lexikon, they will uncover a vivid tapestry of geographic, administrative, and transportation details that breathe life into the past and provide invaluable context for their family history research.