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Heimburg - Niederheimbach
The fortified castle of Heimburg whose foundations were laid in 1290 was
completed in 1305. It served as a kurzmaiznische fortress against Palatine
barons. It fell into ruin in the 16th century and was destroyed by the
French in 1689. In the 19th century, it was re-constructed into a summer
residence by Hugo Stinnes. Today, the castle is still privately owned by
the Stinnes family and is not open to the public.
Hugo Stinnes (1870 -1924) was a German industrialist. The son of a Westphalian mine owner, he founded his own company in 1892 and rapidly expanded his interests to build a huge vertical trust controlling mines, foundries, shipping, paper mills, and other industries. He owned vast tracts of land in South America, including the largest oil concession in Argentina. He controlled part of the press and exercised financial power through his banks. World War I helped to expand his enterprises; after the war, Stinnes took advantage of the German currency inflation to buy up businesses with worthless money.
NOTE: to the Stinnes family; I would be glad to come house sit for you
any time!