Konigsberg

Konigsberg, a fortified town in East Prussia, near the mouth of the Pregel, was formerly the residence of the Electors of Brandenburg, and still ranks as the third town of Prussia. Still further back it was the headquarters of the Teutonic Knights. The cathedral, dating from the 14th century, contains the tombs both of the Grand Masters of the Order and of the Dukes of Prussia. It was restored in 1856. Little or nothing of the original 13th-century castle remains, the present building dating in its oldest parts from the 16th century only. The Exchange was built in 1875. The Albertine University, so called from its founder the Margrave Albert, has a large library and a famous observatory. It was rebuilt in the present century. Konigsberg has large iron-works, and makes machines of all kinds, and pianos. Its chief import is tea, and its largest export corn. At Pillau, 28 miles to the W., the larger merchant vessels unload. In 1365 it became a member of the Hanseatic League, but it was not till 1626 that it was first fortified. It was occupied by the Russians during the Seven Years' War, and was in the hands of the French after Jena. In 1843 it was made a fortress of the first class. The citadel of Friedricbsburg, erected in 1657, is now used as a store.