Did you know?
Saarland – An ancient region full of both German and American historical and cultural sites
John Trumbull, aide to General George Washington and famous painter, was the fi rst well-known American tourist to visit Saarland in 1786. He was delighted with its sights and cuisine. Perhaps he even met one of the unsung heroes of the Battle of Yorktown during his travels throughout the region, as numerous volunteers from today’s Saarland fought in the German-French regiment Royal Deux-Ponts as allies of the Continental Army to achieve the independence of the United States.
This fascinating chapter of German-American history comes to life in Homburg during the tours “American Traces in Homburg” and “Off to America with the night-watchman” when a veteran actor leads you through the old town of Homburg, telling the exciting story of the regiment Royal Deux Ponts and its victorious assault on Yorktown in October 1781.
Almost 140 years after the Battle of Yorktown, the famous 70th Infantry Division Trailblazers marched in Saarland and conquered the Siegfried Line (Westwall) which is still visible in many places to this day. The B-Werk bunker in Merzig e.g., which is still intact and can be visited, is the last preserved fortifi cation of the Siegfried Line. Traces of the Trailblazers and the monument erected in their memory can be found on the Spicherer Höhen (Spicherer Heights) which were also battlefi elds during the German-French war in 1870/1871.