Location and orientation
Freital lies few km south-west from Dresden in the valley of the WeiÃeritz river, the left tributary of the Elbe. The elevation is about 160 m near the river and up to 350 m on top of the neighboring hills. The WeiÃeritz valley is rather narrow. Upon arriving from Dresden, you will certainly feel approaching to the Erzgebirge mountains that lie south and south-west from Freital. Outside Freital, the northern part of the valley narrows to a ravine that leads to the Plauen district of Dresden. South from the town, the WeiÃeritz splits into or, actually, merges from two smaller rivers that flow in separate narrow valleys.
Freital is separated into several districts with easily-recognized borders. Till the beginning of 20th century, each district constituted a separate town or village, and these individual settlements are still not fully merged into the unified town. The railroad and the main street Dresdner Str. run through the whole valley. As you come from Dresden, you first enter the Postchappel district. Then follow Döhlen and Burgk west and east from the railroad, respectively. Further south, one finds Deuben, Hainsberg, and CoÃmannsdorf.
History
First settlements in the WeiÃeritz valley date back to 13th century. Since Middle Ages, the valley was known as a coal reserve. The coal mining began in 16th century and was rapidly enhanced in the end of 18th century. In the first half of 19th century, the WeiÃeritz valley was a leader of coal-mining in Germany. The latest technical inventions were introduced here: for example, the first German steam engine was installed in the Burgk village and is now on display in the local museum. The Freital valley was also pioneering in the coke production and in street gas lighting. Finally, the first mine railroad with electrical locomotives also appeared in the Freital valley in 1882.
In 1921, small towns and villages of the WeiÃeritz valley merged into the town of Freital Frei Tal means 'free valley'. In the middle of 20th century, coal mining was gradually ceased. However, after the World War II some of the mines were used again, this time for the mining of uranium. During 40 years till re-unification of Germany in 1989, the region produced more than 3000 tons of uranium. Presently, any mining is abandoned. The population of Freital is about 39000 2007.