Waldecker

Waldecker refers to a historical region and associated people in present-day Germany. Historically, it was a county (Grafschaft) within the Holy Roman Empire, centered around the town of Waldeck. The ruling family was known as the Counts of Waldeck. The territory was located in what is now the state of Hesse, bordering the Sauerland and the Weser Uplands.

The Counts of Waldeck played a role in regional politics and military conflicts throughout the Middle Ages and into the early modern period. Their influence extended over a considerable area, and they were vassals to various imperial authorities. The county underwent various administrative and territorial changes over the centuries.

In 1805, the County of Waldeck was elevated to a principality (Fürstentum). Following the Napoleonic Wars, it became a sovereign state within the German Confederation. In the 19th century, Waldeck-Pyrmont, as it was then known, was a small state that maintained its independence until after World War I.

After the abdication of the prince in 1918, Waldeck-Pyrmont became a free state within the Weimar Republic. In 1929, the principality was divided, with the larger part, Waldeck, being incorporated into the Prussian province of Hesse-Nassau, and Pyrmont being incorporated into the Free State of Schaumburg-Lippe. The term "Waldecker" today can refer to someone from this historical region or its inhabitants, often used in a cultural or historical context.