Westhalten

Westhalten derives its name from its geographical location: "West" means west and "Halden" refers to slopes, specifically the western slopes of the Stragenberg, relative to Rouffach.

Historically, the village was part of the Mundat of the bishops of Strasbourg, under the authority of the Rouffach bailiwick. It formed a mixed community, jointly administered by Rouffach and Soultzmatt, without a local court. Disputes were therefore settled by the magistrates of these two guardian towns, which explains the absence of a seal or coat of arms for Westhalten before 1792.

In 1788, the inhabitants gained independence by forming their own assembly and declaring themselves an autonomous commune, in accordance with revolutionary laws. However, Rouffach and Soultzmatt continued to contribute to communal expenses until 1818, the year Westhalten finally obtained its own communal jurisdiction.

The village's prosperity was built during the 19th and 20th centuries, mainly thanks to viticulture. This heritage is reflected in its architecture, such as the scroll-decorated dovecote at number 2 Rouffach Street, a former tithe court, or the yellow sandstone oriel window from 1624 located at 12 Church Street. Also noteworthy are the communal prison, built in 1767 and nestled between two houses on Soultzmatt Street, and the sundial that adorns the village.