Quadrate in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany — Central Europe

Wohnhaus von August von Kotzebue, A 2, 5
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Residence of August von Kotzebue, A 2, 5

Photographed by James Hulse, September 16, 2026

1. Wohnhaus von August von Kotzebue, A 2, 5 / Residence of August von Kotzebue, A 2, 5 Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Am 23. März 1819 sticht der Theologiestudent und Burschenschaftler Karl Ludwig Sand den vermeintlichen russischen Spion und Reaktionär August von Kotzebue in seiner Wohnung nieder. Der bekannte Theaterdichter lebt seit einem halben Jahr mit seiner Familie im Haus A 2, 5. Die Tat Sands stößt in nationalen und liberalen Kreisen auf viel Sympathie. Dem Deutschen Bund unter Führung von Metternich gibt sie Anlass zu einer reaktionären Welle von „Demagogenverfolgungen“, die durch die Karlsbader Beschlüsse im August 1819 legitimiert werden. Sand versucht, sich das Leben zu nehmen – allerdings ohne Erfolg. Nach einjähriger Haft lautet das Urteil des Oberhofgerichts auf Tod, auf ein Begnadigungsgesuch an den Großherzog wird verzichtet. Am 20. Mai 1820 wird Sand auf der Glaciswiese vor dem Heidelberger Tor, unweit des Zuchthauses in Q 6, wo er einsaß, mit dem Schwert hingerichtet. Ein starkes Militäraufgebot sichert den Richtplatz nahe dem heutigen Wasserturm.

Karl Ludwig Sand sticht August von Kotzebue in seiner Wohnung in A 2, 5 nieder.

Selbstmordversuch von Karl Ludwig Sand (1795–1820) nach dem Mord an Kotzebue.

Hinrichtung Sands auf der Wiese vor dem Heidelberger Tor, die im Volksmund lange „Sands Himmelfahrtswiese“ genannt wird. Schon der erste Hieb war tödlich.

August von Kotzebue (1761–1819) trug den Titel eines russischen Staatsrats.

Diese Tafel wurde gestiftet von: Familie Joachim Peters
© Stadtarchiv Mannheim Institut Für Stadtgeschichte
Weiterführende Informationen: www.mannheim.de

(English Translation)
On March 23, 1819, theology student and fraternity member Karl Ludwig Sand stabbed August von Kotzebue, whom he considered a Russian spy and reactionary, in Kotzebue’s home. The well-known playwright had been living with his family at A 2, 5 for six months. Sand’s act received considerable

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sympathy in nationalist and liberal circles. It gave the German Confederation, led by Metternich, a reason to begin a reactionary wave of persecution against so-called “demagogues,” legitimized by the Carlsbad Decrees in August 1819. Sand attempted to take his own life but failed. After one year in prison, the Superior Court sentenced him to death, and no request for clemency was submitted to the grand duke. On May 20, 1820, Sand was executed by sword on the glacis meadow outside the Heidelberg Gate, not far from the prison in Q 6 where he had been held. A large military force guarded the execution site near the present-day Water Tower.

Karl Ludwig Sand stabs August von Kotzebue in his residence at A 2, 5.

Karl Ludwig Sand (1795–1820) attempts suicide after murdering Kotzebue.

Sand’s execution on the meadow outside the Heidelberg Gate, which was popularly known for many years as “Sand’s Ascension Meadow.” The first sword stroke was fatal.

August von Kotzebue (1761–1819) held the title of Russian state councillor.

This marker was donated by: Joachim Peters family
Further information: www.mannheim.de

Erected by Stadtpunkte

Photographed by James Hulse, September 16, 2026

2. Wohnhaus von August von Kotzebue, A 2, 5 / Residence of August von Kotzebue, A 2, 5 Marker

Mannheimer Geschichte Vor Ort and Stadt Mannheim.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is March 23, 1819.

Location. 49° 29.148′ N, 8° 27.732′ E. Marker is in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg. It is in Quadrate. It is at the intersection of A2 and B2, on the right when traveling north on A2. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: A2 5, Mannheim BW 68159, Germany. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the German Upper Rhine.

Globally, it is in Europe,

the European Union,

Atlantic Europe,

Central Europe,

the Schengen Area,

Western Europe,

and the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire,

the Holy Roman Empire,

and the former West Germany.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wohnhäuser der Familie Lanz A 2, 6 + 7 / Residences of the Lanz Family, A 2, 6 + 7 (within shouting distance of this marker); Wohnhaus von Heinrich und Julia Lanz / Home of Heinrich and Julia Lanz (within shouting distance of this marker); Nationaltheater B 3 (within

Photographed by James Hulse, September 16, 2026

3. Wohnhaus von August von Kotzebue, A 2, 5 / Residence of August von Kotzebue, A 2, 5 Marker

shouting distance of this marker); Rheinische Creditbank B 4, 2 (within shouting distance of this marker); Geschäftsstelle der DVP C 3, 21-22 / Office of German People's Party C 3, 21-22 (within shouting distance of this marker); Jesuitenkirche A 4, 1 / Jesuit Church A 4, 1 (within shouting distance of this marker); Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (within shouting distance of this marker); Palais Bretzenheim A 2, 1 / Bretzenheim Palace A 2, 1 (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mannheim.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 21, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.

Wohnhaus von August von Kotzebue, A 2, 5⎯⎯⎯Residence of August von Kotzebue, A 2, 5

Wohnhaus von August von Kotzebue, A 2, 5
⎯⎯⎯
Residence of August von Kotzebue, A 2, 5