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Hanover (Capital of the Prussian)

capital of the Prussian province of Hanover, situated in an extensive plain on the Leine, which here receives the Ihme and becomes navigable. The old town, irregularly built with many antiquated buildings, is surrounded by the handsome new quarters which have arisen to the N., E., and S.

E. The principal buildings are the Market Church, the Old Town House, the Theater, one of the finest in Germany, the Royal Palace, the Museum of Art and Science, the Royal Library, the Waterloo Monument, etc. About a mile to the N. W. W. is Schloss Herrenhausen, the favorite residence of George I., George II., and George V. Near the town is the colossal Welfenschloss, or palace of the Guelphs. Hanover prior to the World War was a manufacturing town of some importance, had cottonspinning, machine works, iron foundries, chemical works, tobacco and cigar factories, etc. Hanover is first mentioned in 1163. It joined the Hanseatic League in 1481. It became the residence of the dukes of Brunswick-Lüneburg, and capital of the principality in 1636. Pop. about 313,000.