History

• 7th century first settlement on the site of what is today Kreuzwertheim
• 779 First authentic mention of Wertheim
• 1009 Market rights granted by King Heinrich II
• 1103 First documentary mention of the 'county' of Wertheim
• 12^th century Building of castle begins
• 1306 Wertheim receives its town charter and thus also the right to mint coins
• in the 16^th century Wine growing is the principal activity
• 1556 Death of the last Count of Wertheim, Count Michael III, whereupon the 'county' passes to Count Ludwig of Stolberg
• from 1598 Takeover of government by Count Ludwig of Löwenstein-Wertheim
• 1634 Destruction of castle in 30 Years War, since when it has just been left as a ruin
• 1806 Napoleon draws up new frontiers, which divide the region. Wertheim is incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Baden; Napoleon imposes tolls on the Main bridge between Wertheim and Kreuzwertheim
• 1913 Start of first incorporation into today's industrial region of Wertheim-Bestenheid
• after 1945 Establishment of glass industry by displaced persons in Wertheim-Bestenheid
• 1972/1976 With the incorporation of 15 surrounding communities, Wertheim becomes the regional administrative centre ('Große Kreisstadt' or major district town)