Fürth

Fürth, city in south central Germany at the junction of the Pegnitz and Rednitz rivers, near Nürnberg, in Bavaria. Manufactures include toys, clothing, and glass products. Notable buildings in Fürth are Saint Michael's Church, completed during the 14th century, and the 19th-century town hall, with a high tower. Reputedly founded by Charlemagne, Fürth was for a time in the possession of the burgraves of Nürnberg and later of the archbishopric of Bamberg; it was acquired by Bavaria in 1806. In 1835 it became a terminal of the first railroad built in Germany, from Nürnberg to Fürth. The city was badly damaged in World War II (1939-1945). United States military forces stationed in Fürth after the war were withdrawn in 1994 as part of a major reduction of the U.S. military presence in Europe. Population (2005 estimate) 112,500.