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Remagen
For many, the name
will always be associated
with Operation Lumberjack.
Built during the
first World War,
the Ludendorff Bridge
played a pivotal role in the second. In March of 1945 it was captured
by the
U.S. 9th Armored Division, thus allowing a quicker
defeat of the Nazi forces by the Allies. The Nazis had
tried
to destroy it on
numerous occasions to deny the Allies the ability to cross the river
easily. It did eventually collapse, but not until some 10 days after
the crossing was effected. Today there is a ferry carrying autos and
passengers
across the Rhine.
For many others, the
fact that the city dates back to
Roman times is equally if
not more interesting than its roles in the last century’s
wars. The area was originally conquered by Roman legions under Julius
Caesar in the year 50 B.C. By 50 A.D. there was a Roman fort or
military camp here called Castra Rigomagus which evolved into the city
of Remagen.
Nearby — a little
over 10 kilometers or roughly six miles
south of Remagen — is the Vinxtbach, a small creek that flows
into the Rhine. In Roman times, it formed the boundary line between
provinces of Germania Superior and Germania Inferior.
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Remagen
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The excursion boat Beethoven passes in front of the ruins of Ludendorff
Bridge, Remagen, Germany.