A little Chodov history

Chodov boasts some of the Sokolov region's oldest historically documented beginnings. In the late 12th century it belonged among the Waldsassen Cloister's land that stretched up to Bohemia. This Cloister was significant in organizing the German colonization that laid the foundations in the 12th and 13th century for the local settlement's stabilized ethnical composition that lasted hundreds of years.

Chodov became the property of the nobility in the middle of the 14th century. When feudal ownership was splintered, the once unified administration of the Chodov estate was divided into two parts, creating independent Lower and Upper Chodov locations. With their owners and residents they then became part of the Loket castle's complex forest system that lasted until the Thirty Years War.

The divided Chodov was then able to unite itself temporarily in the Plankenheim family's estate. The vast majority of historical sights from their period have been preserved, the most splendid of which is the Baroque-style St. Laurence Cathedral, built from 1725 to 1733.

Chodov's original agrarian nature markedly transformed during the industrialization process as the city began exploiting its rich mineral deposits such as coal and ceramic clay in Chodov's surroundings. Brown coal extraction began in the late 18th century. The year 1810 saw the first porcelain production that continues still today. Engineering, construction and glassworks also contributed to helping the city develop further.

The entire region's economic growth was initiated by Chodov's transformation into an industrial city. This transformation was preceded in April 1869 by the administrative unification of Lower and Upper Chodov into one whole and by the new town being declared a township village. Chodov was elevated to city status by decision of Emperor Josef I on September 30, 1894. The city emblem was bestowed upon the city as a symbol by Emperor Josef I shortly thereafter.

By the early 19th century, Chodov had grown into the economic center of the industrial region between Sokolov and Karlovy Vary with a bubbling social and cultural life.

The aftermath of WWII brought about changes in the Chodov's demographics. Czechs, Slovaks and people of other nationalities took the place of the deported German majority to share in developing the foundations of the modern city. The city's face was markedly changed by pre-fabricated constructions, which, in the 50´s and 60´s, represented a fast solution to the needed housing for the influx of workers into the newly founded Chodov engineering plant and Vřesová Fuel Combine.

Although the next decade in Chodov's history would be marked by continued growth, its precipitous and predatory nature gave rise to a number of problems. The city's democratic leadership put in place after the free community elections in the Fall of 1990 is gradually addressing these issues. The results of some efforts to administrate the city democratically have already become evident. Despite numerous challenges, this city of 15,000 has what it takes to continue in its legacy of historic accomplishments and traditions.