Ludwigshafen

Ludwigshafen, city in southwestern Germany, an important port on the Rhine River, opposite Mannheim in Rhineland-Palatinate. The city is a leading center for the manufacture of chemicals and also has factories producing machinery and motor vehicles. Founded in the 17th century, the city was developed in the 19th century by Louis I (Ludwig I) of Bavaria, for whom it is named. In the city is the house (now a museum) in which the poet and dramatist Friedrich von Schiller lived and wrote plays during his association with the theater in Mannheim. Ludwigshafen was badly damaged in World War II (1939-1945). Population (2005 estimate) 163,400.