Suche
Mein Konto
Historical radio event: Telegraph line between Mainz and Metz comes to life!
On August 24, 2025, 23 locations in Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and Lorraine will commemorate Claude Chappe's optical telegraphs.
Historical radio event: Telegraph line between Mainz and Metz comes to life!
On Sunday August 24th, a historic event will take place at 23 former optical telegraph stations between Mainz and Metz. The occasion on this special day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the commemoration of the telegraph system, originally set up by Claude Chappe on behalf of Emperor Napoleon. This system, which primarily enabled military communications, played a significant role in the history of communications from its inception until 1813.
The starting point of the event will be in the citadel of Mainz, from where the greeting message will be sent to Metz. This is received by French radio amateurs who now transmit the messages using modern VHF transmitters and receivers. This creates a bridge between the historical transmission method, which used moving pointer bars and beacons, and modern radio communication.
Optical telegraphs and their importance
Claude Chappe, born in Brûlon in 1763, is considered the creator of modern telegraphy. He experimented with electrical signals and developed a system that exchanged messages about significant inventions over mountains and towers over hundreds of kilometers in minutes. However, prior to Chappe's work, long-distance transmission had significant safety and reliability limitations.
In 1791, Chappe finally managed to exchange the first telegraphic messages between Parcé and Brûlon. He had developed a device that could display 70 characters, including letters and numbers. His system quickly came into use as it represented a significant improvement in communications that served both civilian and military purposes.
- Historische Stationen im Saarland: Leitersweiler, Urexweiler, Humes, Hoxberg, Litermont, Siersburg und Ihn
- Besondere Station: 414 Meter hoher Litermont in Nalbach
- Aktivierungen durch den Ortsverband Lebach Q 15 des DARC e.V.
The telegraph line between Mainz and Metz was part of a larger network of optical telegraphs that operated from Paris to other major cities in Europe, including London. This network developed until Napoleon deprioritized the idea. Nevertheless, the foundations of modern telecommunications owe much to Chappe's inventions.
Informative offers for visitors
During the event on the Litermont plateau, the organizers will offer visitors interesting insights into how the Napoleonic telegraph stations worked and into the development of wireless communication. Practical demonstrations are intended to give participants a clear understanding of historical communication techniques.
Those interested also have the opportunity to obtain comprehensive information by visiting the website www.dl0mz.de/semaphoren-tag-2025 Visit or call the number 01 75 1 15 12 48 report.