A history of the Neisse Garrison

The Neisse Garrison always held a strategic position starting with its es-tablishment in the Early Middle Ages until the end of the 20th century. Its convenient location in the Sudety Foothills meant that it served de-fence functions protecting this area from both attacks from the north and the south. Over the centuries relations between the city and the military underwent numerous transformations depending on who con-trolled it. In the times of the Bishop’s Duchy and the rule of Habsburg only small troops stationed in the garrison, and the security of the whole area was provided by bulwarks. In 1741, after Neisse was seized by Frederick II, the town acquired enormous significance. The symbiosis between Neisse and the military, which lasted for the subsequent 260 years, had a considerable influence on the development and im-portance of the town. As a result of changes which took place in the Polish Army on the turn of the 20th and 21st century, the Neisse Garri-son was closed down.