in detail
On the 30th anniversary of the Allied victory over the National Socialist regime and the liberation of the prisoners of the forced labor camps in the district of Wernigerode, a memorial was established in the former satellite camp of Buchenwald on Veckenstedter Weg in Wernigerode.
Shortly after the war began, a camp for foreign laborers was established on Veckenstedter Weg at the "Rautal factory" (an electric motor factory today). In March 1943, this camp was extended and a satellite camp to Buchenwald was established. In addition, there were other labor camps and concentration camp commandos in the city and county of Wernigerode. The prisoners were used for brutal forced labor especially in armaments production. The "Veckenstedter Weg" camp had over 800 prisoners. In November 1944, the prisoners built a satellite camp in Hasserode ("Steinerne Renne" at the train station there). By December 25, 1944, the majority of prisoners from "Veckenstedter Weg" camp had been transferred to "Steinerne Renne".
When the Americans reached Wernigerode, the 500 prisoners in the "Steinerne Renne" camp were forced to begin an evacuation march. On April 26, 1945, 75 of them reached Leitmeritz (today in the Czech Republic), the destination of the terrible and fatal journey.
Quarters at the camp on Veckenstedter Weg served temporarily as a reception camp in 1945. Afterwards it was used as a home for the elderly until the memorial was erected in 1975.
The monument stands as the focus of the memorial area. In the former prison barracks, three rooms, the living quarters, first aid room and sick room, are arranged as stone witnesses to the terror. Everything is in its original condition. The watchtower at the entrance is also in its authentic form. An extensive archive with documents, literature and newspaper collections are available to those interested. There is also an exhibition (five rooms) about "Labor Camps and Concentration Camps in the Wernigerode district" on the memorial site.
1939
A labor camp for foreign laborers is established on Veckenstedter Weg.
March 1943
The camp is extended and a satellite camp of the Buchenwald Concentration Camp is established.
November 1944
Prisoners build a satellite camp, "Steinerne Renne", in Hasserode.
December 25, 1944
The majority of prisoners are transferred to camp "Steinerne Renne".
April 10, 1945
"Evacuation march" to Leitmeritz begins.
After 1945
The camp site is used as a home for the elderly.
1975
The memorial museum is established.
