Pfulgriesheim

Archaeological excavations at Heuberg attest to an ancient human presence on this site. As early as 5000 BC, hunter-herders had settled here, as evidenced by the discovered ribbon-decorated pottery and domestic animal bones. Other, more recent remains confirm continuous occupation during the Neolithic period. The village's name has undergone many changes since the 12th century: Criechesheim, Fulkriegesheim, Vulncriegesheim, then Vuolenkrichesheim, Vuilcriechesheim, and many other variants before becoming Pfaulgriessen in the 14th century. Several hypotheses explain this toponymy, notably referring to the Count of Volkirch or terms like Pfulle (foal) or Gries (gravel). The first lord of the castle, probably the Count of Volkirch, would have given his name to the place by adding the suffix "heim" (home). The village, initially property of the bishopric, was then loaned to the Puller von Hohenburg family before passing into the hands of the d’Andlau family in the 16th century. The latter introduced the Reformation here in 1526 and resided in a castle located near the current church. The church's bell tower actually occupies the site of an old keep. Of the lordly residence, only the tithe barn remains today. The 18th-century rural architecture, with its imposing farmhouses, reflects the village's past prosperity. The traditional names of these farms (Hofname) are further testimony to this. In the 19th century, the village had three rapeseed oil mills, a mustard mill, and two tile factories, illustrating its economic dynamism at the time.