Meurthe

Geography

Meurthe is a former department of France, located in the northeastern part of the country. It was named after the Meurthe River, which traverses the department from south to north. The department was part of the region of Lorraine, which has a rich history and unique cultural heritage.

A scenic view of the Meurthe River, with lush greenery on both banks and a clear blue sky overhead.

History

The department of Meurthe was created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790, as a result of the application of the law of December 22, 1789. It was formed from parts of the provinces of Lorraine and Barrois. During the administrative reorganization of the French territory in 1790, the department was divided into districts, then into cantons, and finally into municipalities.

Demographics

In terms of population, Meurthe was not a very densely populated area. The inhabitants of the department were known as the Meurthois. The department was characterized by a rural population, with agriculture being the main occupation of the inhabitants.

Economy

The economy of Meurthe was primarily based on agriculture, with the cultivation of cereals, potatoes, and the breeding of livestock being the main activities. The department was also known for its vineyards, particularly those producing the wines of the Moselle region. In addition to agriculture, there was also some industry, including the production of textiles and iron goods.

Culture

The culture of Meurthe was heavily influenced by its location in the region of Lorraine. The inhabitants of the department spoke a dialect of Lorrain, which is a Romance language closely related to French. The traditional cuisine of the area included dishes such as quiche Lorraine and Lorraine hotpot.

Dissolution

The department of Meurthe was dissolved on January 1, 1871, as a result of the Franco-Prussian War. The eastern part of the department was annexed by Germany, while the western part was combined with the remaining territory of the department of Moselle to form the new department of Meurthe-et-Moselle.

Legacy

Despite its dissolution, the name Meurthe continues to be used in the name of the current department of Meurthe-et-Moselle. The history and culture of the former department of Meurthe have also left a lasting impact on the region.