Central Business District in Cincinnati in Hamilton County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Berlin Wall
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 25, 2016
1. The Berlin Wall Marker
Inscription.
The Berlin Wall. . The Berlin Wall
On August 13, 1961, the totalitarian government of East Germany split Berlin with a wall of concrete. Free expression of thought disappeared, From 1961 to 1989 some 130 people were killed attempting to escape through this brutal barrier to freedom. Many others were injured.
In the autumn of 1989, hundreds of thousands of East Germans began peaceful marches against the oppressive regime. These courageous acts of resistance were inspired by the civil rights movement in the United States. Their chant was "Wir sind das Volk," we are the people, implicitly a reference, to the United States Constitution. Ultimately, the Berlin Wall could not withstand the desire for freedom and on November 9th, 1989 the wall fell.
This section of the wall, a gift of the City of Berlin, honors those who have died seeking freedom without walls.
East Germany History
After Soviet occupation of Eastern Europe at the end of World War II, and under increasing control of the Soviet dictator the citizens of Eastern Germany faced a national government that limited emigration, movement, and other individual freedoms.
By 1956, almost all travel to the West had been restricted. And in 1961, the East West German border was sealed except for the access routes into West Berlin through East German territory. The fortified border separated the two Germanys just as the Berlin Wall cut off west Berlin from East Berlin until November 1989
The Berlin Wall
On August 13, 1961,
the totalitarian government
of East Germany split Berlin
with a wall of concrete.
Free expression of thought
disappeared, From 1961
to 1989 some 130 people
were killed attempting to
escape through this brutal
barrier to freedom. Many
others were injured.
In the autumn of 1989,
hundreds of thousands of
East Germans began
peaceful marches against
the oppressive regime.
These courageous acts of
resistance were inspired
by the civil rights movement
in the United States. Their
chant was "Wir sind das Volk,"
we are the people, implicitly
a reference, to the United
States Constitution. Ultimately,
the Berlin Wall could not
withstand the desire for
freedom and on November 9th,
1989 the wall fell.
This section of the wall, a gift
of the City of Berlin, honors
those who have died seeking
freedom without walls.
East Germany History
After Soviet occupation of Eastern Europe at the end of World War II, and under increasing control of the Soviet dictator the citizens of Eastern Germany faced a national government that limited emigration, movement, and other individual freedoms.
By 1956, almost all travel to the West had been restricted. And in 1961, the East West German border was sealed except for the access routes into West Berlin through East German territory. The fortified border separated the two Germanys just as the Berlin Wall cut off west Berlin from East Berlin until November 1989
Erected 2010.
Topics and series.
Click or scan to see this page online
This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Political Subdivisions • War, Cold. In addition, it is included in the Berlin Wall series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 13, 1961.
Location. 39° 5.834′ N, 84° 30.695′ W. Marker is in Cincinnati, Ohio, in Hamilton County. It is in the Central Business District. Marker is at the intersection of East Freedom Way and Vine Street, on the right when traveling west on East Freedom Way. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati OH 45202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 25, 2016
2. The Berlin Wall Marker - wider view, looking south, with Roebling Bridge and Covington in background
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 27, 2016
3. The Berlin Wall Marker - paver with East Germany History
The paver is set in the ground on the south (Ohio River) side of the marker.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 25, 2016
4. The Berlin Wall Marker - wide view, showing the south face of the Berlin Wall segment
The marker/memorial is located on the south side of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, April 25, 2016
5. The Berlin Wall - dedication plaque
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center stands as a beacon in the world, inspiring courage, cooperation, and perseverance in all global citizens. The City of Cincinnati and the Munich Sister City Association in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the relationship between Munich and Cincinnati, worked with the Freedom Center to commemorate the past while committing to a future where freedom is a basic right. Through the installation of Cincinnati's segment of the Berlin Wall, we bear witness to this symbol of the ultimate triumph of the human spirit.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 317 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 26, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
