|
 Wiesbaden's
most famous benefactor was Kaiser Wilhelm II. He used his own money
to supplement the operations of the "Royal Opera." Following
Kaiser Wilhelm's lead, the European aristocracy began to increase its
patronage of Wiesbaden's spas, theatre, and social activities. Although
some hotels and bath houses were bombed during World War II, most
buildings in Wiesbaden remained untouched. Because so few buildings were
destroyed, the ornate architecture found in Wiesbaden is seldom seen in
other German cities, making Wiesbaden one of the most beautiful cities in
Germany.
 When
the Air Force was established as a separate branch of service in 1947,
Wiesbaden was selected as the site of the Air Force Headquarters in
Europe, serving in that role until 1975. Consequently, Wiesbaden
served as the hub for all activities, supporting the Berlin Airlift, with
around-the-clock flights from Wiesbaden Air Base. An Army Armoured Brigade
was stationed at Wiesbaden Air Base in the mid 1970s, until it was
replaced by the 3D Combat Support Command and 12th Aviation Brigade in the
mid 1980s. From 1975 through 1993, Wiesbaden was a joint Army/Air
Force community with a service-wide reputation for excellence that was
enhanced by the strong bonds that developed between these organizations.
Wiesbaden,
traces its roots back to the Roman era. Its rich history has
been intertwined with the Emperor Barbarossa and the Gutenberg Press.
Wiesbaden
is one of the oldest cities along the Rhein and has, due to its location
as the gate to the middle part of Germany, been a crossing point of
trade-roads. Wiesbaden was heavily damaged by bombing, many splendid
examples of outstanding architecture from both Roman and subsequent eras
remain, as well as wine cellars that date from the Roman period. |
